Rare Old Map of Northeast Alps by Mayr, 1874: Zurich, Munich, Innsbruck, Lake Constance

The "Atlas der Alpenländer. Blatt II." is a masterful creation by the esteemed cartographer Johann Mayr, crafted in 1874. This exquisite map, a part of an eleven-sheet topographic atlas, captures the intricate geographical and political tapestry of the Alpine regions. Mayr’s dedication to precision and detail is evident in this sheet, which encompasses Switzerland, Southern Bavaria and Ulm in Germany, and Northern Tyrol and Innsbruck in Austria. The map is a testament to Mayr’s expertise, illustrating the landscape with meticulous hachures that bring the mountainous terrain to life.

Johann Mayr’s work is celebrated for its accuracy and artistic quality, reflecting the advanced cartographic techniques of the 19th century. His maps were indispensable tools for navigation, urban planning, and historical research. The inclusion of railroads on this map highlights the burgeoning transportation networks of the time, offering a glimpse into the infrastructural development that was transforming Europe. Mayr’s maps were not just functional; they were works of art, combining scientific precision with aesthetic beauty.

The map’s depiction of the Alps is particularly striking, with the rugged mountain ranges rendered in exquisite detail. The use of hachures to indicate relief gives a three-dimensional quality to the landscape, allowing viewers to appreciate the topography of one of Europe’s most iconic natural features. The map also showcases significant bodies of water, such as Lake Constance and Lake Zurich, which are crucial to the region’s hydrography. These elements underscore the importance of natural features in shaping the human and physical geography of the Alps.

Political boundaries are clearly delineated, providing insight into the geopolitical landscape of the late 19th century. The map covers a diverse range of regions, from the bustling cities of Zurich and Munich to the serene landscapes of Northern Tyrol. Each city and town is marked with precision, reflecting the urban development and population distribution of the era. This detailed representation makes the map an invaluable resource for historians and enthusiasts alike, offering a window into the past.

The historical significance of this map extends beyond its geographical detail. It serves as a snapshot of a pivotal period in European history, capturing the interplay between natural landscapes and human development. The map is not only a tool for navigation but also a document of cultural and historical importance. It invites viewers to explore the rich tapestry of the Alpine regions, from the majestic peaks to the vibrant cities, and to appreciate the legacy of Johann Mayr’s cartographic genius.

Cities and towns on this map

• Switzerland:
• Zurich
• Winterthur
• St. Gallen
• Chur
• Germany (Southern Bavaria and Ulm):
• Munich
• Augsburg
• Ulm
• Austria (Northern Tyrol and Innsbruck):
• Innsbruck
• Bregenz

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of water:
• Lake Constance (Bodensee)
• Lake Zurich (Zürichsee)
• Borders: Political boundaries between Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.
• Mountains: Depiction of the Alps with detailed hachures indicating mountainous terrain.
• Other notable features:
• Railroads
• Rivers and streams

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Atlas der Alpenländer. Blatt II.
• Date of creation: 1874
• Mapmaker or publisher: Johann Mayr
• Themes and topics shown on the map:
• Political boundaries: The map clearly delineates the borders between different regions and countries within the Alps.
• Topography: Detailed representation of the physical landscape using hachures to indicate relief.
• Transportation: Railroads are marked, indicating the development of transportation networks during the period.
• Hydrography: Lakes and drainage systems are illustrated, highlighting the importance of water bodies in the region.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• Switzerland
• Southern Bavaria and Ulm (Germany)
• Northern Tyrol and Innsbruck (Austria)
• Design or style:
• Black and white engraving with hand-colored outlines.
• Use of hachures to depict relief.
• Detailed and precise cartographic style typical of the 19th century.
• Historical significance:
• The map provides insight into the geographical and political landscape of the Alps in the late 19th century.
• It reflects the cartographic techniques and the level of detail achievable during that period.
• Useful for historical research, understanding historical transportation networks, and studying the development of regions 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.