About the Artist
James Shury was a nineteenth-century engraver whose technical skill brought clarity and elegance to the art of mapmaking. Working during a period when engraved maps were essential tools for navigation and civic planning, Shury contributed to a tradition that balanced scientific accuracy with refined visual presentation. His work reflects the values of an era when maps were prized not only for their utility but also for their aesthetic appeal.
Shury's engravings were widely used in Britain and France, serving libraries, travelers, and city officials who relied on precise cartographic information. His legacy endures in the enduring appeal of vintage maps as both historical documents and decorative objects.
The Artwork
Eastern division of Paris, created in 1834, captures the city at a pivotal moment before Baron Haussmann's sweeping urban reforms. At this time, Paris retained much of its medieval street layout, and sectional maps like this one were invaluable for making sense of its intricate neighborhoods. Such plans were used by administrators, merchants, and visitors to navigate and understand the city's complex geography.
Owning a map of Paris in this era was more than practical—it was a way to engage with the city's identity and its evolving sense of order. This piece remains a compelling artifact for those interested in the history of urban transformation and the visual culture of cartography. It is a classic example within vintage map art and appeals to collectors of black and white prints.
Style & Characteristics
The print is executed in crisp black ink on a pale background, with meticulously engraved lines delineating a dense network of streets and districts. The typography is clear and consistent, lending the map a sense of authority and calm. District boundaries are subtly marked, ensuring the composition remains legible and uncluttered.
The overall effect is scholarly and quietly nostalgic, inviting close inspection of its balanced, tapestry-like layout. The monochrome palette and fine detail make it especially suited to interiors seeking archival charm and understated sophistication.
In Interior Design
This Paris map art print offers structure and historical depth to a study, hallway, or living room. Its monochrome tones pair well with minimalist decor, classic furnishings, or book-lined spaces where cartographic art feels at home.
Accentuate its palette with grey, limestone, or charcoal textiles, or introduce warmth with oak and brass accents. For a tailored finish, consider framing it with a slim black or light wood frame from the frames collection to complement its vintage character.
