Feature Points VINTAGE MAP REPRODUCTION: You?ll love this high quality historic reproduction of 1896 Democratic Republic of the Congo Map. Our museum quality prints are archival grade, which means it will look great and last without fading for over 100 years. Our print to order maps are made in the USA and each map is inspected for quality. This beautiful artwork is a perfect addition to your themed decor. Vintage maps look great in the home, study or office. They make a perfect gift as well. MUSEUM QUALITY: This high quality map print will be a great addition to your vintage-themed wall. Don't waste money on cheap-looking, thin paper posters. We use thick, fine art print quality matte paper. Our professional?s choice matte paper displays artwork in high detail without glare. The color is vibrant and text is easy to read. When framed, this map looks absolutely stunning. A LOOK BACK AT HISTORY: This is an impressive, historic reproduction of 1896 Map of Belgian Congo. A true piece of history. See our product description section for more fascinating information about this historic map and its significance.map of texas READY TO FRAME: This print includes a 0.2 inch border for a perfect frame fit and look. Our maps are designed to fit easy-to-find standard frame sizes, saving you money from having to pay for a custom frame. Each map is inspected for quality and shipped in a rigid tube. HISTORIX: We love history and art. Sometimes old maps have tears, folds, separations and other blemishes. We digitally restore and enhance maps while keeping its historical character. All our maps are proudly made in the USA. Customers all over the world love our vintage maps and we know you will too. Additional Information The Congo was a Belgian colony from the early 1870s until it achieved independence in 1960, though when this map was published, the region was considered personal property of Belgian King Leopold. Little is known of Leon de Moor, the cartographer who produced this depiction, but J. Lebegue and Co was a prolific publishing house that produced numerous travel accounts, maps, and other geographical documents to distribute throughout Western Europe. The detailed insets provide even more insight into the development of the region in the late nineteenth century. During this time, the primary economic driver was the production of rubber as automobile tires increased demand for vulcanized rubber throughout North America and Europe. Advances in infrastructure, including the construction of a railway from the capital to the coast, increased access and expansion throughout the region. Western Africa was experiencing significant transformation during the late nineteenth century, and The Congo was no different. The upper portion of the Congo River was navigable by steamboat and allowed a flourishing import and export trade. This map bears a unique aesthetic that immediately transports the viewer back in time, creating an indelible bond between the past and present. The 1890s were a period of rapid transformation in Africa and across the globe as advances in technology allowed for modern improvements such as electric light, faster transportation, refrigeration, and sanitation. This is an authentic piece of African and European cartographical history that illustrates the rich history of The Congo as it neared the turn of the century. Our museum quality giclee print comes printed with archival ink on premium heavyweight matte paper. Shipped in a sturdy cardboard tube your print will arrive ready to be framed. This eye-catching vintage map reproduction print makes the perfect gift for anyone that loves history and imagery.