St. Bernard Lake – from Zurlauben’s Topography
Published in different editions between 1770 and 1786
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.
Vue du Lac au Pied de L’Hospice du St. Bernard
Dessine d’une des fenetres de la Maison
(Drawn from one of the Windows of the House)
Copperplate Engraving from Baron Zurlauben’s topography published around 1780.
Dessine par Besson, grave par Le Veau
In addition to the title, the other texts below the image read as follows. Interestingly the spots described are annotated by the number of birds flying above them.
Le Drossa, Le Pain de Sucre – Ruine dún Temple de Jupiter au pied du Drossa est une petite colomne qui marque les limites du Valais et du Piemont. Il y avait les restes de Glace le 3 Aoust 1777. (The image on which the engraving is based was drawn on August 3, 1777.
Dimensions: Sheet including margins measures around 50 X 31 cm. Platemark size is approx. 24.5 x 36.5 cm.
Condition: The sheet is lightly toned throughout, with heavier toning, discoloration at the margins. Central image is cleaned. This piece will show off beautifully if matted to cover the margins (see last photo for discoloration in margins).
