Nouvelle Carte de la Suisse, issued in London in 1799 by the eminent cartographer William Faden, is a masterwork at the intersection of politics, science, and Alpine romance. Composed in the turbulent aftermath of the Old Confederacy and on the cusp of Helvetic reorganization, it presents the Thirteen Cantons and their affiliated territories with the crystalline precision that made Faden Geographer to the King. The plate marries a lucid political schema to an exacting physical portrait, tracing the arc of the Alps while fixing the positions of key towns, rivers, and passes. At a moment when the Alpine theater preoccupied diplomats, generals, and savants alike, Faden’s map distilled Switzerland’s complexity into a legible, authoritative statement.

The mountainous relief, conveyed through lavish hachures and careful annotation, reveals a living geography of passes and watersheds: the Rhine gathering strength at Chur and Basel; the Rhône rushing past Sion toward Geneva; the Aare braiding the Swiss Mittelland and enfolding Bern; the Reuss and Ticino marking portals to St. Gotthard. Lakes are exquisitely set—Léman beside Geneva, the Vierwaldstättersee cradling Lucerne, the twin basins of Neuchâtel and Biel adjoining Yverdon-les-Bains and Biel/Bienne. Cities pulse across the network—Zurich and Lausanne, St. Gallen and Neuchâtel, Fribourg and Zug, Lugano and Monthey—each anchored within the mountainous amphitheater that culminates in Mont Blanc and its retinue of named glaciers.

Faden arranges Switzerland’s political mosaic with uncommon clarity, tinting the cantons by confession—Protestant, Catholic, and Mixed—to illuminate the confessional cartography that underpinned alliances and rivalries. Zurich, Bern, and Basel signal the Protestant north; Lucerne, Fribourg, and Zug assert Catholic strength; mixed jurisdictions testify to negotiated coexistence. Around the core Thirteen Cantons, the map deftly traces allied and subject lands—the Grisons (Graubünden) with its famed Three Leagues, the high valleys of Valais, the independent tradition of Geneva, and the City of Bienne—creating a portrait of sovereignty that is layered rather than monolithic. Joint bailiwicks and border marches are named and delimited, capturing the fine-grained governance that defined late-eighteenth-century Swiss federalism.

Scientific curiosity animates the composition. An inset panorama, Vue de la Vallée de Chamouny et des Glacieres du Côté du Midi, stages the Chamonix valley beneath Mont Blanc, with the Glacier des Bossons pouring from the heights and neighboring summits—among them Mont Paiclairais—etched with a draughtsman’s fidelity. A companion inset tabulates the elevations of notable peaks and glaciers in pieds Anglais, echoing the era’s passion for measured mountain heights after the feats of Alpine savants. In an explanatory note, Faden credits Sir George Augustus William Shuckburgh-Evelyn for triangulations performed in 1775, signaling his reliance on rigorous geodetic frameworks that elevated the map beyond mere depiction into the realm of scientific instrument.

William Faden’s signature virtues—meticulous compilation, elegant engraving, and judicious synthesis of sources—shine throughout. A central broker of European intelligence during the age of revolutions and coalitions, Faden published in a cosmopolitan idiom, here adopting French to reach the Continent’s learned public. His lettering is clean and hierarchical; his relief readable at a glance; his settlement geography—Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Basel, Lucerne, Lausanne, Chur, St. Gallen, Neuchâtel, Biel/Bienne, Fribourg, Zug, Sion, Lugano, Monthey, Yverdon-les-Bains—arrayed with the poise of a gazetteer. As a time capsule of 1799—politically intricate, scientifically ambitious, and topographically sublime—this map offers a consummate view of Switzerland at the summit of Enlightenment cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• Zurich
• Geneva
• Bern
• Basel
• Lucerne
• Lausanne
• Chur
• St. Gallen
• Neuchâtel
• Biel
• Fribourg
• Zug
• Sion
• Lugano
• Monthey
• Yverdon-Les-Bains

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset: "Vue de la Vallée de Chamouny et des Glacieres du Côté du Midi"
• Elevation List: Peaks and glaciers measured in pieds Anglais.
• Religious Affiliation of Cantons: Colored distinctions for Protestant, Catholic, and Mixed cantons.
• Allied Regions: Notable bordering territories like Grisons and Valais.
• Detailed Mountain Range Illustrations: Including Mont Blanc, Mont Paiclairais, and Glacier des Bossons.
• Triangulation Reference: Credit to Sir George Augustus William Shuckburgh-Evelyn.

Historical and design context

• Name of the Map: Nouvelle Carte de la Suisse
• Year of Creation: 1799
• Mapmaker: William Faden, published in London
• Map Details: Detailed political and physical representation of Switzerland, focusing on the Thirteen Cantons.
• Design Style: Intricately detailed, highlighting mountainous terrain and annotated geographic features; elaborate style typical of Faden's works.
• Historical Significance: Illustrates Switzerland’s political complexity in 1799 and the era’s scientific and cartographic advancements.

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 16in (40cm) 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 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.

Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.

We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.

• We can deliver directly to the recipient
• Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
• Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
• Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
• 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide

If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.

Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.

We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.

Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.

Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.

Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.

If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.

Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.

Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.

Read our full delivery and local production guide

Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.

We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.

Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.

Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.

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

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

If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.