Portolan Chart by Jacopo Maggiolo

Jacopo Maggiolo (d. c. 1605) was the son of the famous Genoese cartographer Vesconte Maggiolo (1475–1549/1561)
The portolan chart shows the Mediterranean, the Black and Red Seas, the North and Baltic Seas, and parts of the Atlantic Ocean
It is lavishly illuminated with topographical, political, and decorative details

Portolan Chart by Jacopo Maggiolo

MS F 251bis inf. Biblioteca Ambrosiana (Milan, Italy)

Portolano Iacopo Visconte Maggiolo Carta Portolanica Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles

Description

Portolan Chart by Jacopo Maggiolo

The wonderful Portolan Chart by Jacopo Maggiolo was probably completed in Genoa in 1602 by the son of the famous cartographer Vesconte Maggiolo (1475–1549/1561). The rolled portolan chart on parchment shows the Mediterranean Sea with its winding coastlines in its center, along with the Black Sea, the Baltic and North Seas, and the parts of the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to Europe and North Africa. In addition, the Red Sea in the southeast of the map stands out due to its corresponding color and almond shape. All land areas are magnificently illuminated, with no expense spared on gold. Not only are topographical features and important cities depicted, but also the most powerful rulers of the time. In the east and south, large tents made of elaborate, gold-decorated fabrics are displayed, studded with various flags. Their size subtly draws attention to the vast land areas of the continents bordering the comparatively small Europe.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Portolankarte von Iacopo Maggiolo
Portolano Iacopo Visconte Maggiolo Carta Portolanica
Portolano by Giacomo Maggiolo
Portolan Chart by Jacopo Vesconte Maggiolo
Type: Map on parchment
Size / Format: 1 map / 86.7 × 124.5 cm
Origin: Italy
Date: 1602
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Renaissance
Genre: Geography / Maps
Language: Italian
Script: Gothic Textura
Illustrations: Multicolored, gold-decorated illuminations and two framing decorated borders
Content: Nautical chart of the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the northeastern parts of the Atlantic Ocean
Artist / School: Jacopo Maggiolo

Available facsimile editions:

Facsimile Editions

#1 Portolano Iacopo Visconte Maggiolo Carta Portolanica

De Agostini/UTET – Rome/Turin, 2010

Publisher: De Agostini/UTET – Rome/Turin, 2010

Limited Edition: 499 copies

Commentary: 1 volume
Language: Italian

1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.

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Portolan Chart by Jacopo Maggiolo