Sea Chart of Andrea Benincasa

Sea Chart of Andrea Benincasa

The Vatican Library houses some of the earliest and most precious topographical maps in the world. Found among these maps is the Sea Chart of Andrea Benincasa. This map primarily shows the Mediterranean and surrounding regions, but also parts of the British Isles and the Red Sea. It was used for navigation by medieval seafarers. The map is exceptionally richly adorned with depictions in various colors and gold accents.

The Cartographer Andrea Benincasa

Benincasa was a famous cartographer of the Italian Renaissance. From 1476 to 1508, he created important maps for the orientation of sailors and traders. He was probably educated at the cartography school of Ancona. This school was counted among the most renowned institutions of cartography worldwide. Benincasa composed at least 22 sea Rutters, which contained nautical information regarding landmarks, currents, and harbor conditions alongside the most important Rutters. The sea chart in the Vatican Library is **probably his most excellent work.

A Masterpiece of Cartography

The Sea Chart of Andrea Benincasa originated ca. 1508 and reflects the fine style of the Renaissance. The map is recorded in six different colors. In particular, his homes of Italy and the entire region surrounding the Mediterranean were depicted most realistically in the greatest detail. Some regions were less geographically-correct in their representation, e.g. it would be nearly impossible for seafarers to reach the British Isles using the information of this map. Certainly the science of cartography was still very young and Benincasa worked largely without aids. He designed the map according to his own scientific findings and medieval legends. The precious map was ennobled through the employment of gold leaf.