1816 Thomson Map of the Venetian States (northeast Italy)
VenetianStates-thomson-1816
Title
1816 (dated) 20.25 x 23.75 in (51.435 x 60.325 cm)
Description
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.
Cartographer
John Thomson (fl. 1804 - 1837) was a Scottish cartographer, publisher and bookbinder active in Edinburgh during the early part of the 19th century. Thomson is generally one of the leading masters of the Edinburgh school of cartography which flourished from roughly 1800 to 1830. Thomson & his contemporaries (Pinkerton & 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 the Thomson's New General Atlas, published from 1814 to 1821 and his Atlas of Scotland. The "Atlas of Scotland, a work of groundbreaking detail and dedication would eventually bankrupt the Thomson firm in 1830. Today Thomson maps are becoming increasingly rare as they are highly admired for their monumental size, vivid hand coloration, and superb detail.