Sea Chart of Andrea Benincasa

This Italian map from 1508 shows the Mediterranean and the surrounding regions with remarkable accuracy
The map is recorded in six different colors and gold leaf from a masterly hand
It contains nautical information regarding landmarks, currents, and harbor conditions

Sea Chart of Andrea Benincasa

Borg. VIII Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (Vatican City, Vatican City State)

Description

Sea Chart of Andrea Benincasa

The Sea Chart of Andrea Benincasa originated ca. 1508 in Ancona, Italy and primarily shows the Mediterranean and surrounding regions, including the Red Sea, which is colored to match its name. Recorded in six different colors and adorned with elements of gold leaf, it is a wonderful specimen from the genesis of the science of modern cartography during the Italian Renaissance. Important mercantile cities like Venice are depicted with small cityscapes, while massive mountain ranges rise up in the north and south, next to which powerful contemporary rulers are enthroned. The land masses are traversed by a network of vein-like rivers, and dozens of small, colorful flags mark the countless settlements in the political landscape of the time. The sheer richness of its adornment indicates that the map was created as a luxury item for display in the home of a wealthy nobleman or merchant rather than being designed as a practical navigational chart for sailors but nonetheless represents the contemporary state of geographic knowledge.

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.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Sea Map of Andrea Benincasa
Nautical Chart by Andrea Benincasa
Benincasa Portolan of 1508
The Andrea Benincase Map of 1508
Seekarte des Andrea Benincasa
Type: Map on parchment
Size / Format: 1 map / 99.3 × 64.2 cm
Origin: Italy
Date: 1508
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Renaissance
Genre: Geography / Cartography / Navigation
Language: Latin
Script: Gothic Textura, Gothic Hybrida
Illustrations: Numerous topographical illuminations, predominantly in shades of red and green, subtle gold decoration
Content: Luxury Portolan chart emphasizing the Mediterranean region. Representation of Northern Europe is influenced by Ptolemy. Mythical islands in the Atlantic.
Artist / School: Andrea Benincasa (cartographer)

Available facsimile editions:

Detail Picture

Sea Chart of Andrea Benincasa

Egypt and the Red Sea

Dotted with port cities, the Red Sea is colored quite literally, which was common of maps from the period. By contrast, the Nile River, lifeblood of Egypt, is represented by a thin wavy line. The city on its banks is labelled “Babillonia” or Babylon, which should be in distant Mesopotamia. To the west, a figure is seated on a golden throne and wearing a golden crown next to a compass rose while to the south, a war elephant with red tusks and a castle on its back stands ready.

Single Page

Sea Chart of Andrea Benincasa

Focus on the Mediterranean

Reflecting Benincasa's Italian origins, the Mediterranean region occupies the center of the map. Here, the coastlines are represented with remarkable accuracy and labeled in great detail. The Aegean Sea appears as a jumble of inscriptions. The eastern edge of the map is formed by the Black Sea and the appropriately colored Red Sea, while the Atlantic Ocean with its numerous islands takes up a lot of space in the west.

To the north, the map concludes with the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, which are depicted as one elongated sea and colored green-brownish, similar to the mountain ranges depicted. The northern parts of the British Isles are also only vaguely outlined. The same applies to the North African areas in the south of the map that are not directly on the Mediterranean Sea. Thus, the map testifies both to the great skill and knowledge of European cartography at the beginning of the 16th century, but also to its gaps at that time.