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Village of Clarens on Lake Geneva – 18th Century Engraving

Tableaux de la Suisse

Published in different editions between 1770 and 1786

Beat Fidel Antoine Dominique Zurlauben (1720 - 1799) and Jean-Benjamin de Laborde (1734 - 1794)

With over 400 beautifully produced engravings, Baron de Zurlauben’s “Tableaux de la Suisse” is one of the most complete and beautiful books on Switzerland ever produced. The project was supported by Jean Benjamin de Laborde (1734 – 1794), a lieutenant general in the French army, and a favorite of Louis XV, and the Swiss General and military historian Baron von Zurlauben. The principal author, Zurlauben (1720 – 1799), had studied history with Jean Rollin in Paris and was a general of the “Schweizergard” (Swiss Guards) who protected French Royalty.

The full title of the work is: Tableaux De La Suisse, Ou Voyage Pittoresque Fait Dans Les Treize Cantons Et Etats Allies Du Corps Helvetique : Représentant les divers Phénomenes que la nature y rassemble, & les beautés dont l’art les enrichis; suivis de la description topographique, physique, historique, morale, politique & littéraire de ce Pays Par M. le Baron De ZurLauben.

Vue du Village de Clarens – Pres de Vevay sur Le Lac de Geneve, cet endroit est celebre dans l’Heloise de Rousseau

 Copperplate Engraving from Baron Zurlauben’s topography published around 1780 showing the village of Clarens near Montreux and Vevey.  The star crossed romance of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s immensely popular 18th century romantic novel Julie ou la Nouvelle Héloïse was set in this village.

Dimensions: Platemark (image size excluding margins) 24 x 18 cm.

Condition: The sheet is lightly toned throughout, with heavier toning, discoloration at the margins. Central image is clear. This piece will show off beautifully if matted to cover the margins