Antique PrintsChalet StyleSwiss

Eglise de Ferney and Voltaire’s Tomb Double Engraving Sheet (Sold)

Ferney-Voltaire, France (Geneva Border Region)

Vue of the Church in Ferney which was built by the French writer and philosopher Voltaire (1694-1778) who lived the last 20 years of his life in Ferney.

Over the door are inscribed the words ” Deo erexit Voltaire” – ” To God, erected by Voltaire”

Dessine par Brandoin, grave par le Bas- No. 161

and on the same sheet:

Vue du Tombeau de Voltaire
(Vue of Voltaire’s Tomb)

The tomb which the French writer and philosopher Voltaire (1694-1778) built for himself on the grounds of the church in Ferney. But Voltaire died in Paris, and his remains were eventually enterred in the Pantheon.

Double Copperplate Engraving from Baron Zurlauben’s topography published around 1780.

Dessine par Brandoin, Dirige par Masquelier

The letters A.P.D.R. appear on the print, which means it was engraved “avec privilège du roi” – or licensed by the king – this is an annotation which one sees only on prints published before the French revolution. It indicated the print had been approved by the French censures.

Dimensions: Full sheet measures 21 X 13.75 inches – each image of the chateau measures around 6 X 9 inches

Condition: Very clean within the plate mark. Some light smudging in the margins and light age toning along the outer edges.

SOLD

Tableaux de la Suisse

Published in different editions between 1770 and 1786

Beat Fidel Antoine Dominique Zurlauben (1720 - 1799) and Jean-Benjamin de Laborde (1734 - 1794)

With over 400 beautifully produced engravings, Baron de Zurlauben’s “Tableaux de la Suisse” is one of the most complete and beautiful books on Switzerland ever produced. The project was supported by Jean Benjamin de Laborde (1734 – 1794), a lieutenant general in the French army, and a favorite of Louis XV, and the Swiss General and military historian Baron von Zurlauben. The principal author, Zurlauben (1720 – 1799), had studied history with Jean Rollin in Paris and was a general of the “Schweizergard” (Swiss Guards) who protected French Royalty.

The full title of the work is: Tableaux De La Suisse, Ou Voyage Pittoresque Fait Dans Les Treize Cantons Et Etats Allies Du Corps Helvetique : Représentant les divers Phénomenes que la nature y rassemble, & les beautés dont l’art les enrichis; suivis de la description topographique, physique, historique, morale, politique & littéraire de ce Pays Par M. le Baron De ZurLauben.