Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 14

Switzerland Map 1778 – Striking Hand-Colored Copperplate of the Thirteen Cantons

$1,996.65
£1,496.62
€1,690
CA$2,743.06
A$3,062.37
CHF 1,604.64
MX$37,486.46
NOK 20,378.91
SEK 19,214.73
DKK 12,864.90

About the Item

Switzerland Map 1778 – Faden’s Hand-Colored Copperplate of the Thirteen Cantons This striking copperplate engraving, published by William Faden in London in 1778, offers a detailed and finely engraved map of Switzerland, titled Nouvelle Carte de la Suisse dans laquelle sont exactement distinguées Les Treize Cantons. This large piece presents a rich visual and topographical record of 18th-century Switzerland. The map is delicately hand-colored along the borders of cantons and key regions to aid in distinguishing political divisions within the Confederacy. What makes this map especially captivating is not only its geographical accuracy for the time but also its artistic embellishments. In the upper left corner, a dramatic allegorical cartouche sets the tone, featuring a mountainous landscape with figures that echo the romantic vision of Switzerland as a rugged, independent land. Another highly detailed cartouche on the right balances the composition, serving as the map’s legend. A small inset elevation profile at the bottom offers an illustrative section of the alpine topography. Together, these elements blend scientific precision with artistic flair, characteristic of Faden’s high-quality cartographic output. William Faden (1749–1836) succeeded Thomas Jefferys as Royal Geographer to King George III and became one of the most prominent English mapmakers of his era. His maps are celebrated for their clarity, engraving skill, and reliability — this Swiss map being no exception. Condition: The map is in good condition considering its age. It features folds (as issued), some light creasing, and small edge tears, none of which affect the main engraved image. The hand-coloring remains clean and subdued, enhancing without overwhelming the detail. Slight toning in the margins is consistent with 18th-century paper and storage. Framing Tips: This map is ideal for display in a library, study, or alpine chalet interior. Consider a dark walnut or blackened wood frame with a neutral archival mat, allowing the warm cream of the paper and the crisp engraving to stand out. A museum glass option will further elevate and protect the piece while preserving all visible detail. Perfect for lovers of Swiss history, geography, or refined antique decor.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 37.8 in (96 cm)Width: 26.38 in (67 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1778
  • Condition:
    The map is in good condition considering its age. It features folds (as issued), some light creasing, and small edge tears, none of which affect the main engraved image. The hand-coloring remains clean.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-138851stDibs: LU3054345436082

More From This Seller

View All
Map of Switzerland by Justus Danckerts, Hand-Colored Engraving ca. 1690
Located in Langweer, NL
Map of Switzerland by Justus Danckerts, Hand-Colored Engraving ca. 1690 This detailed and attractively hand-colored antique map titled *Helvetiae Rhaetiae et Valesiae, nec non parti...
Category

Antique Late 17th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Switzerland by Keizer & de Lat, 1788
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'La Suisse (..)'. Uncommon original antique map of Switzerland. This map originates from 'Nieuwe Natuur- Geschied- en Handelkundige Zak- en Reisatlas' by Gerrit Br...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Switzerland by N. Visscher, circa 1690
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Tabula Geogaphica qua Pars Meridionalis sive Superior Rheni, Mosae, et Mosellae (..)'. Published by N. Visscher, Amsterdam, circa 1690. Contemporary coloring.
Category

Antique Late 17th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

Genuine Antique Engraved Map of Helvetia or Switzerland, 1729
Located in Langweer, NL
Decorative early 18th century engraved map of Switzerland. Title: Helvetia Conterminarumq terra rum antiqua. Translated from Latin: Switzerland is an ancient land Description: Switzerland, antique copperplate engraved map with hand coloring and a decorative title cartouche. Two figures greatly enhances visual appeal. Author: Phillip Cluver, or Philip Cluverius, Philipp Clüver, Latinized as Philippus Cluverius studied law in Leiden and settled over there in 1615. We only sell Guaranteed Absolutely Original authentic Maps and Prints. A Certificate of Authenticity ( COA ) will be supplied on request. We ship our antique maps and prints...
Category

Antique 1720s Maps

Materials

Paper

Map of Northwestern Switzerland (Basel and Zurich Region) by Willem & Jan Blaeu
Located in Langweer, NL
Map of Northwestern Switzerland by Willem & Jan Blaeu (Circa 1650) This is a detailed map of Northwestern Switzerland, specifically depicting the region between Basel and Zurich, cr...
Category

Antique 1650s Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Switzerland by J.B. Homann, 1751
By Johann Baptist Homann
Located in Langweer, NL
Decorative example of Homann's map of Switzerland, with decorative cartouche and the coat of arms of each of the 13 Cantons.
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Maps

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Original Antique Map of Switzerland, Engraved By Barlow, Dated 1807
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great map of Switzerland Copper-plate engraving by Barlow Published by Brightly & Kinnersly, Bungay, Suffolk. Dated 1807 Unframed.
Category

Antique Early 1800s English Maps

Materials

Paper

Map of Switzerland - Etching - 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
This map of Netherlands is an etching realized in 19th century. The state of preservation of the artwork is excellent. The signature "F.B." is engraved on the lower right. At the to...
Category

19th Century Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

Hand Colored 18th Century Homann Map of Austria Including Vienna and the Danube
By Johann Baptist Homann
Located in Alamo, CA
"Archiducatus Austriae inferioris" is a hand colored map of Austria created by Johann Baptist Homann (1663-1724) and published in Nuremberg, Germany in 1728 shortly after his death. ...
Category

Antique Early 18th Century German Maps

Materials

Paper

17th Century Hand Colored Map of the Liege Region in Belgium by Visscher
By Nicolaes Visscher II
Located in Alamo, CA
An original 17th century map entitled "Leodiensis Episcopatus in omnes Subjacentes Provincias distincté divisusVisscher, Leodiensis Episcopatus" by Nicolaes Visscher II, published in Amsterdam in 1688. The map is centered on Liege, Belgium, includes the area between Antwerp, Turnhout, Roermond, Cologne, Trier and Dinant. This attractive map is presented in a cream-colored mat measuring 30" wide x 27.5" high. There is a central fold, as issued. There is minimal spotting in the upper margin and a tiny spot in the right lower margin, which are under the mat. The map is otherwise in excellent condition. The Visscher family were one of the great cartographic families of the 17th century. Begun by Claes Jansz Visscher...
Category

Antique Late 17th Century Dutch Maps

Materials

Paper

18th Century Hand-Colored Homann Map of Germany, Including Frankfurt and Berlin
By Johann Baptist Homann
Located in Alamo, CA
An 18th century hand-colored map entitled "Tabula Marchionatus Brandenburgici et Ducatus Pomeraniae quae sunt Pars Septentrionalis Circuli Saxoniae Superioris" by Johann Baptist Homa...
Category

Antique Early 18th Century German Maps

Materials

Paper

Hand Colored 18th Century Homann Map of Austria Including Vienna & the Danube
By Johann Baptist Homann
Located in Alamo, CA
"Archiducatus Austriae inferioris" is a hand colored map of Austria created by Johann Baptist Homann (1663-1724) and published in Nuremberg, Germany in 1728 shortly after his death. ...
Category

Early 18th Century Old Masters Landscape Prints

Materials

Engraving