Sign In

- Or use -
Forgot Password Create Account
This item has been sold, but you can enter your email address to be notified if another example becomes available.
Description

Decorative two sheet map of Switzerland, published in Paris by Hubert Jaillot.

Jaillot's s an exquisite representation of Switzerland during the late 17th century. The map illustrates the divisions of the thirteen cantons, allied territories, and the Swiss subjects, a layout reflecting the political structure of the Swiss Confederation at the time.

An impressive feature of this map is the inclusion of 24 coats of arms flanking the map on both sides. These heraldic emblems represent the Swiss cantons and principal cities, as well as the Swiss Confederation's allies. Each coat of arms is intricately engraved, offering a vibrant display of symbolism and heraldry that complements the geographic detail of the map itself. A matching coats of arms for each region is shown on the map, further emphasizing the regional identities and affiliations within Switzerland. These emblems serve as striking visual anchors within the intricate geography of the map.

Below the map, an additional panel presents nine more coats of arms, denoting the "Sujets Des Suisses," or the Swiss subjects, further enriching the visual appeal and informational value of the map.

The map itself, executed on an impressively large scale, exhibits robust detailing. One of its standout features is the strongly engraved hachuring, a technique used to represent relief by shading. These hachures provide a clear depiction of the mountainous nature of the Alpine regions, lending a topographical depth to the map that underscores Switzerland's rugged physical landscape. 

Alexis-Hubert Jaillot Biography

Alexis-Hubert Jaillot (ca. 1632-1712) was one of the most important French cartographers of the seventeenth century. Jaillot traveled to Paris with his brother, Simon, in 1657, hoping to take advantage of Louis XIV's call to the artists and scientists of France to settle and work in Paris. Originally a sculptor, he married the daughter of Nicholas Berey, Jeanne Berey, in 1664, and went into partnership with Nicholas Sanson's sons. Beginning in 1669, he re-engraved and often enlarged many of Sanson's maps, filling in the gap left by the destruction of the Blaeu's printing establishment in 1672.