Rare Old Map of Southeastern Alps by Mayr, 1874: Switzerland, Italy, Milan, Verona, Lake Garda, Como

The "Atlas der Alpenländer. Blatt V." is a captivating piece of cartographic history, meticulously crafted by the renowned Johann Mayr in 1874. This map, part of an eleven-sheet topographic atlas, offers a detailed representation of the Alpine countries, including southeastern Switzerland, Southern Tyrol, Lombardy, and Verona in Italy. Mayr's dedication to precision and artistry is evident in the intricate black and white engraving, enhanced with hand-colored outlines that bring the political and physical geography of the region to life.

Johann Mayr, a distinguished cartographer of the 19th century, was known for his exceptional ability to capture the essence of the landscapes he mapped. His work on this map is no exception, showcasing the complex topography of the Alps with remarkable clarity. The use of hachures to illustrate relief provides a vivid sense of the mountainous terrain, making it not only a valuable geographical document but also a work of art. Mayr's maps were highly regarded for their accuracy and detail, reflecting his deep understanding of the regions he depicted.

This map is rich with geographical features, including prominent bodies of water such as Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore. These lakes, nestled within the rugged Alpine landscape, are depicted with precision, highlighting their importance in the region's natural and cultural history. The map also details the intricate network of railroads and drainage systems, providing insight into the infrastructure and development of the time. The careful delineation of political borders between Switzerland and Italy adds another layer of historical context, reflecting the geopolitical landscape of the late 19th century.

The cities and towns featured on this map offer a glimpse into the urban centers of the Alpine region during this period. Major Italian cities such as Milan, Verona, and Bergamo are prominently displayed, alongside smaller towns like Como, Varese, and Lecco. In Switzerland, the map highlights important locations such as Lugano, Bellinzona, and Locarno. These settlements, varying in size and significance, are intricately mapped, providing a comprehensive view of the human geography of the Alps.

The historical significance of this map extends beyond its geographical detail. It serves as a window into the past, offering a snapshot of the Alpine region as it was in the late 19th century. The meticulous craftsmanship of Johann Mayr, combined with the rich geographical and political information, makes this map an invaluable resource for historians, geographers, and collectors alike. Whether you are drawn to its artistic beauty or its historical importance, the "Atlas der Alpenländer. Blatt V." is a remarkable testament to the enduring legacy of 19th-century cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• Italy:
• Milan (Milano)
• Verona
• Bergamo
• Brescia
• Vicenza
• Como
• Varese
• Lecco
• Mantua (Mantova)
• Cremona
• Pavia
• Lodi
• Monza
• Sondrio
• Trento
• Switzerland:
• Lugano
• Bellinzona
• Locarno

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of water:
• Lake Garda (Lago di Garda)
• Lake Como (Lago di Como)
• Lake Maggiore (Lago Maggiore)
• Borders:
• Political borders between Switzerland and Italy
• Mountains:
• Various mountain ranges of the Alps, illustrated with hachures
• Other notable features:
• Railroads
• Drainage systems

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Atlas der Alpenländer. Blatt V.
• Date created: 1874
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Johann Mayr
• Interesting context about the mapmaker: Johann Mayr was a notable cartographer known for his detailed and accurate topographic maps.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Political and physical geography
• Detailed topography and relief of the Alpine region
• Infrastructure such as railroads
• Natural features such as lakes and drainage systems
• Countries and regions shown:
• Southeastern Switzerland
• Southern Tyrol (present-day Italy)
• Lombardy (Italy)
• Verona (Italy)
• Design or style:
• Black and white engraving
• Hand-colored outlines
• Relief indicated with hachures
• Historical significance:
• Represents a detailed 19th-century view of the Alpine region
• Provides insight into the geographical and political landscape of the time
• Useful for historical studies of transportation and urban development in the Alps

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.