Voltaire’s Tomb in Ferney from Baron Zurlauben’s Topography
Ferney Voltaire, France
(Geneva Border Region)
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.
Copperplate Engraving from Baron Zurlauben’s topography published around 1780. Dessine par Brandoin, grave par le Bas- No. 161
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: Sheet including margins measures around 12.5 X 9.5 inches (32 X 24 cm). Image size around 8.65 x 6 inches (22 x 16 cm)
Condition: Very good. Cut to edge of platemark at top. This the lower half of a from a sheet which originally had two engravings on it. The upper part of the page showed the Chateau de Ferney.
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.
