Fascinating pictorial map of Lake Geneva, between Switzerland and France, designed by versatile Swiss artist Eric Poncy and published by Atar in Geneva in 1946 that stands out as a remarkable example of cartographic art.
The map immediately catches the eye with its aesthetic characterized by a striking color palette dominated by a soft, almost pastel pink for the land mass, a deep blue for the lake, and vivid accents of green, yellow, and red.
The year 1946 represented a pivotal moment globally, a time when the world was emerging from the shadow of World War II. Although Switzerland had maintained its neutrality, the post-war period brought a renewed interest in cultural revival, tourism and the reestablishment of international connections, particularly in a city like Geneva, a hub for international organizations.
The map is richly adorned with numerous vignettes, each a miniature narrative that helps describe life around Lake Geneva.
On the north shore (Swiss side), depictions of Lavaux vineyards with their grape harvesters and vine terraces vividly portray the region’s renowned winemaking tradition. The iconic Chillon Castle, perched on the edge of the lake, is rendered with architectural detail, emphasizing its historical importance and picturesque location. Key cities such as Lausanne and Montreux/Vevey are represented by their major landmarks, such as the Lausanne Cathedral, and figures engaged in urban or cultural activities, suggesting their roles as centers of learning, art, and tourism. Geneva is depicted with its famous Jet d’Eau, its historic center, and hints of its international character, perhaps through figures representing diplomacy or finance. Recreational activities such as boating and swimming are also prominent on the lake itself.
On the south shore (French side), the towns of Évian and Thonon-les-Bains are subtly indicated, perhaps with figures enjoying the spa culture or natural springs. The majestic backdrop of mountains, such as the Dent d’Oche, is illustrated with figures engaged in hiking or mountaineering, showing the region’s diverse recreational opportunities. Throughout the map, figures engaged in fishing, farming and other traditional activities reinforce the connection between people and the land/lake. The wide expanse of Lake Léman is dotted with various boats, swans and bathers.
Eric Poncy (born Ferdinand Hodler Eric Poncy) was a leading figure in Swiss graphic arts. He was born on May 10, 1903, in Geneva and remained deeply attached to the city throughout his life, where he also died on July 31, 1983. Poncy’s artistic versatility was remarkable. His main professions were painting and engraving but his influence extended significantly to graphic design, particularly in the field of posters. In addition to these, he was also recognized for his work in stage design and theatrical costumes, as well as designing stamps, tapestries and wall paintings.
Atar (Ateliers artistiques de la Société genevoise d’Édition) is a venerable publishing and printing house in Geneva with a rich history, founded in 1896. Its longevity testifies to its adaptability and resilience in the changing landscape of the graphic arts. A significant milestone in Atar’s history, particularly relevant to its role in the publication of artistic works, was the acquisition of the Swiss operations of “Editions d’art Boissonnas” in 1924. This move demonstrated Atar’s early and strategic commitment to art publishing.
By 1946, the year the Poncy map was published, Atar was a well-established and active publisher in Geneva, known for its printing capabilities. The company has continued to evolve, eventually merging with Perfect SA in 1993 , and remains active today, offering a wide range of printing services from offset to digital.
