The Alps

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Alps through exquisite vintage map artworks in this captivating hardback collection. Featuring stunning hand-drawn and painted pieces, this book brings to life the majestic landscapes of the Alpine region better than any mundane photograph. Authored by renowned artist Tom Dauer and published by Prestel Publishing, the collection spans across the iconic skiing resorts of Austria, Germany, France, and Switzerland, capturing the spirit and allure of these mountain paradises. Each piece has been meticulously crafted from aerial photography taken during artistic helicopter rides, showcasing the intricate details of the trails, terrain, and natural features from Slovenia to France. This unique compilation, free from distracting ski trail markings, allows viewers to fully appreciate the vibrant colors and intricate compositions that evoke the Alps' towering grandeur. Perfect for art lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to explore the rich artistic heritage inspired by the spectacular Alpine scenery. Whether for personal enjoyment or as a stunning gift, this collection promises to transport you to the mesmerizing heights of the Alps, providing an unforgettable visual journey into one of the world's most breathtaking mountain ranges.

Author: Tom Dauer Publisher: Prestel Publishing
Bind: hardback
Dimensions: 240 x 290 mm
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 28-02-2020

These remarkable vintage map artworks, both hand drawn and painted, capture the beauty of the Alps more effectively than any camera or computer. As downhill skiing became popular in 20th-century Europe, resorts in the Austrian, German, French, and Swiss Alps commissioned paintings of their ski runs to turn into maps. The best of these paintings are now featured in this book showing the artists' ability to combine technical virtuosity, geographic information, and creative flair. Detailing scenes of the Alpine range from Slovenia to France, each of these images was created by hand from aerial photography, mostly shot by the artists on helicopter rides through the mountains. The paintings themselves cleverly combine multiple perspectives so that all trails, terrain, and mountain features are visible. In these exquisite reproductions, the paintings have been stripped of all references to the ski trails, allowing viewers to focus entirely on the beauty of the colors, composition, and detail. A joy to study and savor, these dramatic and vivid paintings recall a time when the human hand was the best means of translating the Alps' towering beauty to the general public.