1816 (dated) 20.25 x 23.75 in (51.435 x 60.325 cm)
A beautiful example of John Thomson's 1816 map of the Venetian States in northeastern Italy. Thomson issued this map shortly after the dissolution of the Napoleonic Empire and the 1815 Congress of Vienna, which left northeastern Italy under the control of the Austrian Empire. Despite Austrian repression of the growing Italian unification movement, the Venetian States eventually became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1866.
The map covers the area from the Po River in the South to Gorizi and Istian on the far right. The whole is beautifully engraved in the minimalist English style pioneered in the early part of the 19th century. Relief is shown by hachure with towns, cities, and major topographical features identified.
This map is a steel plate engraving by NR Hewitt, Charlotte Street, Fitzroy Square, and was prepared as plate 28 by John Thomson for inclusion in the 1816 edition of Thomson's New General Atlas.
John Thomson (1777 - 1837) 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. After his apprenticeship he briefly went into business with Abraham Thomson. Later the two parted ways, John Thomson seguing into maps and Abraham Thomson taking over the bookbinding portion of the business. Thomson is generally one of the leading masters of the Edinburgh school of cartography which flourished from roughly 1800 to 1830. 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. Thomson's principle works include Thomson's New General Atlas, published from 1814 to 1821, the New Classical and Historical Atlas of 1829, and his 1830 Atlas of Scotland. The Atlas of Scotland, a work of groundbreaking detail and dedication would eventually bankrupt the Thomson firm in 1830, at which time their plates were sized.. The firm momentarily recovered in the subsequent years allowing Thomson to recover his printing plates in 1831, but filed again for bankruptcy in 1835, at which time most of his printing plates were sold to A. K. Johnston and company. Today Thomson maps are becoming increasingly rare as they are highly admired for their monumental size, vivid hand coloration, and superb detail.
Thomson, J. A New General Atlas, (Edinburgh) 1816.
Very good condition. Original centerfold exhibits some light toning . Light soiling to outer margins. Original platemark visible. Blank on verso.
Rumsey 1007.000. Phillips (Atlases) 731. Newberry Library: Ayer 135 T4 1817.