Suisse Par C.V.Monin

Description

This 1839 map, titled "Suisse," prepared by Charles V. Monin, details the political and administrative structure of the Swiss Confederation in the mid-19th century. Cantonal borders are highlighted in red, while the country's external borders are highlighted in green. This color coding highlights the confederative structure of Switzerland, which was recognized as internationally neutral after the 1815 Congress of Vienna, and the autonomous structure among the cantons. The French-language map also details the various settlements within the cantonal borders. The map emphasizes that the political order of the period was organized not only under a single state but also within a cantonal structure. The map is striking for its mountainous terrain, particularly the Alps, rendered in relief using the hachure technique. Along with important water resources such as the Rhine River, Lake Geneva (Lac de Genève), Lake Zürich, and Lake Neuchâtel, the most prominent elements of the country's physical geography are accurately positioned and visually prioritized. The map also clearly shows Switzerland's borders with neighboring countries such as Germany (Allemagne), France, Austria (Autriche), and, to the south, Italy (especially Lombardy). According to the scale chart in the upper left corner, the map was prepared according to the "Lieues Communes de France" (French common mile system).