Mont Cenis Tunnel between Bardonecchia and Modane by Germain Sommeiller

This black-and-white lithograph illustrates the profile view and map of the tunnel passing through the Alps from Bardonecchia, Italy, to Modane, France. The profile (top) shows the heights of the mountains and the depth of the tunnel. The map (bottom) shows political boundaries, towns, railways, roads, topography, and drainage. It includes a scale: 1 to 25,000 for lengths and 1 to 12,500 for heights.

Construction began on August 15, 1857, and the tunnel was inaugurated on September 17, 1871. It was an ambitious engineering undertaking, being twice the length of any previously constructed tunnel. Its realization was accelerated by the introduction of new technologies such as pneumatic drills and dynamite, and it marked a new era of interaction between France and Italy, including the expansion of international trade.

The author, Germain Sommeiller, born in Saint-Jeoire, France, was a Royal Civil Engineer in the Department of Public Works of Savoy. He was one of the three designers and directors of the Fréjus Railway Tunnel works, and specialized in compressed air applications, designing a type of drilling machine. After the annexation of Savoy to France in 1860, he chose to become an Italian citizen rather than French. He was subsequently elected a member of the first Italian Parliament.

Material of unique quality

Print on handmade Amalfi paper
Sheet size: 40 x 30 cm
With frame: 43 x 33 cm
Material: artwork printed on exquisite handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges
Frame: Light brown, made of beech wood and handmade wood pulp