1771 - A fine example of this antique map titled: ' LA SUISSE divisee en ses Treize Cantons et ses Allies '
Provenance: Taken from "Atlas Moderne ou collection de Cartes sur toutes les parties du Glove Terrestre" by Jean Lattre.

Overall size of the map is 51cm x 39cm with large margins. Condition is excellent with original & later hand colour & with central fold as issued and blank on verso.

A beautiful 1782 example of Rigobert Bonne's decorative map of Switzerland. Bonne's map covers the entirety of Switzerland divided into Cantons. The map offers excellent detail throughout showing mountains, rivers, forests, national boundaries, regional boundaries, forts, and cities. A large decorative title cartouche appears in the upper left quadrant.

CARTOGRAPHERS 
Rigobert Bonne (1727-1795) was one of the most important cartographers of the late 18th century. In 1773 he succeeded Jacques Bellin as Royal Cartographer to France in the office of the HYDROGRAPHER AT THE DEPOT DE LA MARINE. Working in his official capacity Bonne compiled some of the most detailed and accurate maps of the period. Bonne's work represents an important step in the evolution of the cartographic ideology away from the decorative work of the 17th and early 18th century towards a more detail oriented and practical aesthetic. With regard to the rendering of terrain Bonne maps bear many stylistic similarities to those of his predecessor, Bellin. However, Bonne maps generally abandon such common 18th century decorative features such as hand coloring, elaborate decorative cartouches, and compass roses. While mostly focusing on coastal regions, the work of Bonne is highly regarded for its detail, historical importance, and overall aesthetic appeal. Bonne would later become the Geographer to the King of France.

Jean Lattre (fl. 1743 - 1793) was a Paris based bookseller, engraver, and map publisher active in the mid to late 18th century. Lattre published a large corpus of maps, globes, and atlases in conjunction with a number of other important French cartographic figures, including Janvier, Zannoni, Bonne and Delamarche. He is also known to have worked with other European cartographers such as William Faden of London and the Italian cartographer Santini. Map piracy and copyright violations were common in 18th century France. Paris court records indicate that Lattre brought charges against several other period map publishers, including fellow Frenchman Desnos and the Italian map engraver Zannoni, both of whom he accused of copying his work. Lattre's offices and bookshop were located at 20 rue St. Jaques, Paris, France.