Rare Antique Map of Southwestern Europe and West Africa by V.M. Coronelli, 1692
By Vincenzo Coronelli
Located in Langweer, NL
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...
Category
Late 17th Century Italian Antique Vincenzo Coronelli Wall Decorations