The Alpine Sources of the Rhine and Meuse (Maas) Rivers
This 18th-century map, titled The Later Course of the Rhine and the Initial Sources and Progression of the Meuse Based on Observations Meticulously Made at the Alpine Boundary, illustrates the sources and early courses of the Rhine (Rhenus) and Meuse (Maas) rivers as they flow through the Alpine region. Created by Johann Jakob Scheuchzer (1672–1733), was a Swiss polymath who made significant contributions to geology, cartography, and natural history, the map was published in Amsterdam by Covens & Mortier. It is a detailed representation of the rivers’ origins, based on meticulous observations conducted in the Alpine boundary regions.
The map prominently depicts the origin of the Rhine, tracing its path from the Marscholhorn and Hinterrhein via several important locations, including Medels in the Rheinwald, Splügen, Andeer, Zillis-Reischen, Rongellen, Thusis, and Masein. Further downstream, the Rhine continues through Fürstenau, Reichenau, Chur, Trimmis, Landquart, Maienfeld, and Bad Ragaz. Each place name is carefully marked, providing a comprehensive depiction of the Rhine's upper course. A number of roads and bridges across the river are also shown.
In addition to the main map, an inset in the upper left corner provides a focused view of the Mesocco region, highlighting the course of the Moesa river as it flows toward San Bernardino. The inset is titled Muesae Prima Stamina (“The Initial Sources of the Moesa”), reinforcing the map’s dedication to documenting the sources and trajectories of key Alpine rivers.
The topographical features are depicted with an artistic hachure style, emphasizing the rugged and dramatic terrain of the Alps. The mountains, rivers, and valleys are presented in great detail, showcasing the intricate relationships between the landscape and the waterways.
Rarity
The map is very rare.
This is the first example we have seen on the market.
We locate examples at the Zentralbibliothek Zurick, British Library (King's Topographical Collection), Bibliotheque National de France, Unversity of Bern.
There is also an edition published by Vander Aa.
Covens & Mortier was one of the largest and most successful publishing firms in Dutch history and continued in business for over a century. Pierre Mortier the Elder (1661-1711) had obtained a privilege in 1690 to distribute the works of French geographers in the Netherlands. After his widow continued the business for several years, Cornelis (1699-1783) took over in 1719.
In 1721, Mortier forged a partnership with Johannes Covens (1697-1774), who had recently married Cornelis’ sister. They published under the joint name of Covens & Mortier. In 1774, upon the death of his father, Johannes Covens II (1722-1794) took over his father’s share. In 1778, the company changed its name to J. Covens & Zoon, or J. Covens & Son.
Covens II’s son, Cornelis (1764-1825), later inherited the business and brought Petrus Mortier IV back into the fold. Petrus was the great-grandson of Petrus Mortier I. From 1794, the business was called Mortier, Covens & Zoon, or Mortier, Covens, & Son.
The business specialized in publishing French geographers including Deslisle, Jaillot, Janssonius, and Sanson. They also published atlases, for example a 1725 reissue of Frederik de Wit’s Atlas Major and an atlas, with additions, from the works of Guillaume Delisle. There were also Covens & Mortier pocket atlases and town atlases. The company profited from acquiring plates from other geographers as well. For example, the purchased Pieter van der Aa’s plates in 1730. Finally, they also compiled a few maps in house. At their height, they had the largest collection of geographic prints ever assembled in Amsterdam.