Italy, Speculum Orbis Terrarum (N-26)

Details and context of the original map

Brief description of the map:

We present the map of Italy from 1578, created by Flemish cartographer Gerard de Jode. This map, engraved and hand-colored, is part of de Jode’s atlas “Speculum Orbis Terrarum”, one of the most significant atlases of Renaissance cartography.

Year of original:

1578

Original author:

Gerard de Jode (1509–1591), a Flemish cartographer, publisher, and engraver from Antwerp.

Place of issue:

Antwerp, Belgium

Technique:

Copperplate with colors added by hand.

Content:

The map provides a detailed depiction of Italy, covering coastal and inland areas with a focus on key elements. Major cities such as Rome, Venice, Florence, and Naples are illustrated, while mountain ranges like the Apennines and rivers such as the Po are precisely marked. The islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily are prominently featured, highlighted with relief notations that emphasize the region’s geographic diversity. The map is enriched with illustrations of sailing ships and sea monsters, reflecting the typical style of Renaissance cartography, adding historical and artistic value.

Historical context:

This map was created during a time when Italy was divided into numerous political entities, such as the Papal States, the Venetian Republic, and the Kingdom of Naples. The map reflects the geographical knowledge and political boundaries of the time and serves as a competitor to the atlases of Abraham Ortelius, de Jode’s contemporary.

Importance and value:

Aesthetic and historical value: This map perfectly illustrates the blend of artistic skill and scientific precision characteristic of Renaissance cartography. Its attention to detail and aesthetic elements make it a true work of historical art.

Rarity: Gerard de Jode’s atlas, due to limited distribution caused by competition with Ortelius’s atlases, is among rare examples. As a result, originals are highly valued and prized among collectors.

Decorative and educational function: In addition to serving as a decorative element in interiors, such maps have significant educational value. They are often used as historical sources in research on Renaissance geography and culture, providing insights into the understanding of the world during that period.