Vue d’une Bastion de Geneve – Antique Print from Zurlauben’s Topography
Vue d’une Bastion de Geneve (Pres de La Porte de Suisse)
Copperplate Engraving from Baron Zurlauben’s topography published around 1780. Dessine par Perignon ptre du Roi, Grave par I. J. 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: Sheets including margins measure 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
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.
