Gottlieb Studer, drawer of breathtaking panoramas
Story 50
In 1850, the cartographer and geographer Gottlieb Studer published the first clear depiction of the Gornergrat and Monte Rosa areas. His love of the mountains and his artistic talent contributed to the discovery and development of new areas.
Gottlieb Studer was born in Emmental in 1804. His father drew panoramas and infected him early on with his love for the Alps. His sense of nature and enthusiasm for the mountains made Gottlieb an early supporter of mountaineering. He was a co-founder of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), wrote mountain travel reports and climbed over 600 mountains.
A creative excursion to the Valais Alps
At the age of 45, Gottlieb decided to explore the Gornergrat region and the area of Monte Rosa.
When he reached the Gornergrat, Studer was impressed by the breathtaking view. Based on various sketches he made on site, he created a panoramic drawing to capture the beauty of the region for posterity.
Studer spent days exploring the area and recording everything he saw. He drew the mountain peaks, the glaciers, the valleys and the distant villages. He was careful to record every detail so that his drawings could later be used as accurate maps.
A work for posterity
In 1850 he published the first clear depiction of the Gornergrat and Monte Rosa areas with his panoramic drawing. It soon became an important reference work for mountaineers and researchers.
His works are characterised in particular by their accuracy and attention to detail. They also have an artistic value, as Studer often created his maps and drawings in watercolours. His work helped to increase knowledge of the topography of the Alps and contributed to the discovery and development of new areas.