1816 Venetian States
By: John Thomson
Date: 1816 (Published) Edinburgh
Dimensions: 19.75 x 23.25 inches (50.17 x 59 cm)
This superb large format map from Thomson’s New General Atlas features the Venetian States following the Napoleonic Wars, dissolution of the Napoleonic Empire and the treaties resulting from the 1815 Congress of Vienna. One of the decisions of the Congress of Vienna was that Venice, which had already lost its position as a major maritime power, would come under the rule of Austria once again, as it had been prior to the 1805 takeover by Napoleon. In 1815 it was returned to Austrian rule by the terms of the Final Act of the Congress of Vienna and became part of the crown land of Lombardy–Venetia.
The map is engraved in the minimalist English style pioneered in the early part of the 19th century, a style which reduced maps’ decorative elements to a minimum. Relief is shown by hachure with towns, cities, and major topographical features identified, such as the Po River which is depicted from the far west side of the map and extends along the 45th parallel north before ending at its delta which projects into the Adriatic Sea not far from Venice.
John Thomson (1777 - 1841) was a Scottish cartographer, publisher, and bookbinder active in Edinburgh during the early part of the 19th century. Thomson apprenticed under Edinburgh bookbinder Robert Alison. Thomson was one of the leading publishers in the Edinburgh school of cartography, which flourished in the early decades of the 19th century. Thomson and his contemporaries (Pinkerton and Cary) redefined European cartography by abandoning typical 18th century decorative elements such as elaborate title cartouches and fantastic beasts in favor of detail and accuracy.
Condition: This superb large format map on heavy paper is in A condition. One miniscule worm hole. Original coloring.
Inventory #11923
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