HAUTE-SAVOIE (74) - CHAMONIX - "Vue de la Source de L'ARVERON et de son amas de GLACE à CHAMOUNI". c.1781. RARE etching engraved by Alexandre MOITTE (1750-1828), after a drawing by Marc Théodore BOURIT (1739-1819). Proof with the letter, on laid paper (letter watermark). Margins. Along with Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, part of whose "Voyages dans les Alpes" (1779-1796) he illustrated, Bourrit was one of the first to visit Chamonix regularly, to actively research the ascent route to Mont Blanc and to promote the valley through his drawings and writings. This engraving shows the source of the Arveyron, at the foot of the Glacier des Bois, the terminal tongue of the Mer de Glace. 35.5 x 46.5 cm. Condition A/B (rare short tears and small stains in lightly dusted margins, weakened plate cut at top right, otherwise good condition).