Vincenzo Coronelli Collectibles and Curiosities

Globe gore by Vincenzo Maria Coronelli shows the North Pole with the coasts of Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia and Siberia, and is decorated with pictorial scenes of bear, seal and wh...

Antique map titled 'Vescovato di Liege (..)'. Map of the Belgium area centered on Liege and the course of Meuse/Maas River. Also depicts the cities of Maastricht, Namur and Tienen. O...

Antique map titled 'Contado d'Hannonia (..)'. Map of western Belgium and eastern France, from south of Brussels (not shown) to Cambrai, France, generally centered around the towns of...

Antique map titled 'Contado di Namur (..)'. Old map of the Namur region in central Belgium. Includes several coats of arms. Artists and Engravers: The remarkable Vincenzo Coronell...

Antique map titled 'Bocche del Fiume Negro et Isole di Capo Verde'. Antique map of Western Africa with the Cape Verde Islands and an inset of Goree Island. Originates from 'Atlante V...

Antique Globe Gore: Southwestern Europe and West Africa by Vincenzo Coronelli This exquisite, hand-colored globe gore by Vincenzo Coronelli, one of the most renowned 17th-century cartographers, represents Southwestern Europe and West Africa. A segment of Coronelli's monumental 42-inch terrestrial globe, this gore is a remarkable example of the artistry and geographical knowledge of the late 1600s. Covering France, the Iberian Peninsula, and all of Africa west of a line extending from Algeria to the Bight of Benin, it also includes the Canary Islands and Madeira. Coronelli’s globe gores are celebrated for their exceptional engraving and accuracy, and this piece is no exception. The coastline of Africa is depicted with remarkable precision for its time, reflecting the latest geographical knowledge of European explorers. In contrast, the interior of Africa—still a mystery to European mapmakers—features mythical elements such as fantastical mountain ranges and exotic fauna. Giraffes, elephants, lions, and mysterious giant birds populate the landscape, offering a glimpse into the imagination and curiosity of the era. One notable detail is the Gambia...