The Most Colorful Way to Explore: Pictorial (Illustrative) Maps
- Agora Old Prints and Maps
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
A pictorial map is more than a simple guide to geography — it's a visual story. These maps use charming illustrations to represent not just landscapes and cities, but also the culture, wildlife, and spirit of a place. Popular especially between the 1920s and 1960s, pictorial maps continue to capture the imagination of collectors, artists, and travel lovers alike.
What Is a Pictorial Map?
Pictorial maps are known for:
A bird’s-eye or whimsical perspective
Hand-drawn illustrations instead of realistic accuracy
A strong focus on visual storytelling, rather than precise scale
These maps were often used in tourism, education, and advertising. They might show iconic animals, famous buildings, traditional costumes, or local legends—all creatively arranged on a colorful canvas.
A Brief History
Though the roots of pictorial mapping go back to the 15th century, the genre flourished in the 20th century, especially thanks to improvements in printmaking. France, the United States, and the UK became key producers of these vibrant and imaginative works.
Pictorial maps often aimed to reflect regional pride, cultural richness, or national identity through artistic expression.
Pioneers of the Style
Jacques Liozu (1906–1964)
A celebrated French illustrator known for his colorful and educational pictorial maps. Liozu blended whimsy with geographic storytelling, creating works that appeal to both children and adults.
At Agora Old Prints and Maps, you’ll find his 1951 map of Australia and Oceania, filled with kangaroos, tribal canoes, tropical islands, and more—each hand-drawn with charm.
Ernest Dudley Chase (1878–1966)
This American artist became famous for his incredibly detailed maps of the United States and the world, often framed with decorative borders and teeming with symbolic illustrations.
We proudly feature an Ernest Dudley Chase Pictorial Map of Massachusetts (1964 World Fair) in our collection as well!
MacDonald Gill
Best known for his playful maps of London’s transport system, Gill was a pioneer of pictorial mapping in early 20th-century Britain. His maps are known for their wit and decorative style.
Lucien Boucher
Boucher's Art Deco pictorial maps for Air France blended aviation routes with imaginative, elegant visuals — truly making maps into dreamscapes.
A Closer Look: Jacques Liozu’s 1951 Map of Oceania and Australia
Océanie et Australie, created in 1951, is a fine example of how art and geography meet. With this map, Liozu captured the diversity and vibrancy of the region:
🔎 Map Features:
Lively Illustrations: Australia is dotted with kangaroos, canoes, palm trees, and iconic cities like Sydney, Canberra, and Perth. New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and numerous Pacific islands are brought to life with depictions of native people, flora, fauna, and traditional boats.
Cultural Diversity: From hula dancers in Honolulu to fishing canoes in Micronesia and tribal imagery in New Guinea, the map celebrates the rich cultural variety of Oceania.
Decorative Border: Framed with stylized flags and tropical motifs, giving it a travel-poster feel typical of the 1950s.
Compass Rose & Ocean Labels: A classic wind rose and swirling currents enhance the map’s old-world aesthetic.
This map isn’t just for display — it invites you to explore.
Why Collect Pictorial Maps?
They are Beautiful: Colorful and nostalgic, perfect for framing.
They are Educational: Learn about geography, history, and culture in a fun way.
They are Historic: These maps capture the artistic and cultural spirit of the 20th century.
Whether you’re a traveler, an art lover, or a history enthusiast, pictorial maps offer a timeless connection between place and imagination.