Adriano Balbi Gran Carta D'Italia Map of Italy, circa 1845

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About the Item

Receive our new selections direct from 1stdibs by email each week. Please click follow dealer below and see them first! This map is an exceptional artifact of a specific point in time where all of the current geographical knowledge of one area was assembled and distributed around the world. The enormous scale and detail of this antique map of Italy, circa 1845 made it one of the most famous geographic offerings of the nineteenth century. Taking advantage of the latest copper plate engraving techniques this wall sized map consists of twenty eight separate plates printed and laid side by side before being affixed to a heavy paper backing. Please be sure to use the enlarge and zoom features to see the superb rendition of the latest survey done to date. The map was dedicated to the famed Italian geographer Adriano Balbi whose name is prominently displayed on the right hand side. The publisher, G. Civelli and Comp. is mentioned in much smaller type along with a lovely encomium about Sigore Balbi. Notice that the entire map is in Italian. Not only the place names but also bodies of water (Mare di Sicilia for example) are inscribed as well as the Dalmation Coast to the East and the North African coast to the south. The lovely Wind Rose set in the centre is an especially charming detail. Because the map is made up of 28 different sections it has a marvelous patchwork appearance as the individual printed pieces have taken on different colours as time has passed. The top and bottom of the map are each attached to a substantial wooden rod with the original black painted finish as the map was kept stored until in use. Being a map of huge size it was not unfurled every day but was instead most likely used in a university setting where its stunning detail aided the study of geography. Being over 150 years old this antique map of Italy shows signs of use and wear at the very top where hands would eagerly unroll the vast expanse. Fortunately this wear is located where the mountain elevation is explained and not any area of the marvelous country of Italy!

Dimensions:
Height: 104 in (264.16 cm)Width: 86 in (218.44 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
1840-1849
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1845
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Houston, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: AMA121stDibs: LU86687943743