Central Europe · 19th century
€ 140
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
General age-related toning. Shows soiling and foxing, blank verso. Please study image carefully.
The antique map titled 'Carte de la Suisse' is an attractive map of Switzerland. Here are the key details and features of the map:
1. **Geographic Coverage**:
- The map provides comprehensive coverage of Switzerland, depicting the entire country.
- It showcases the division of Switzerland by Cantons, including regions from Vaud to Grisons.
- Additionally, the map includes parts of adjacent countries, such as France, Germany, and Italy, providing context for Switzerland's geographical location.
2. **Cartographic Details**:
- The map offers detailed cartographic information, including the delineation of geographic features, rivers, mountains, and the names of Cantons and towns.
- It presents a clear and informative representation of Switzerland's topography.
3. **Origin**:
- This map originates from Maison Basset's 1852 edition of 'Atlas Illustre Destine a l'enseignement de la Geographie elementaire,' indicating its use for educational purposes, particularly in the teaching of geography.
4. **Educational Significance**:
- As part of an educational atlas, the map likely played a role in instructing students about the geography of Switzerland and its political subdivisions.
- It may have been employed as a visual aid to enhance students' understanding of Switzerland's Cantonal divisions.
5. **Aesthetic Appeal**:
- The map is described as attractive, suggesting that it possesses not only educational value but also visual appeal.
- Maps of this era often featured decorative elements that added to their aesthetic charm.
6. **Historical and Geopolitical Significance**:
- Switzerland's unique position in Europe, as a country surrounded by multiple nations, makes this map historically and geopolitically significant.
- The representation of Cantons and neighboring countries offers insights into the political and geographical dynamics of Switzerland in the mid-19th century.
Overall, the 'Carte de la Suisse' antique map serves as an educational tool and a historical document, providing a visual and informative resource for studying Switzerland's geography, including its Cantonal divisions, and its relationship with neighboring regions during the mid-19th century.
