Planisfero Del Mondo Vecchio - Coronelli c.1690

Coronelli’s World Map of the Old Continent (c. 1690)

Title: Planisfero del Mondo Vecchio, Descritto dal P. Coronelli, Cosmografo Publico
Cartographer: Vincenzo Maria Coronelli
Origin: Venice, Italy
Date: c. 1690–1695
Technique: Copperplate engraving with professional hand-colouring

The Grandeur of the Venetian Republic

This map tells the story of the zenith of Venetian cartography. Vincenzo Coronelli, a Franciscan friar and the official cosmographer to the Republic of Venice, was arguably the most celebrated globe-maker of the 17th century. This "Planisfero del Mondo Vecchio" (Planisphere of the Old World) is a masterclass in Baroque design, presenting the Eastern Hemisphere not just as a geographic area, but as a theater of history and discovery.

The map captures a world in the midst of the Great Age of Exploration. It shows the "Old World" of Europe, Africa, and Asia in high detail, while the surrounding borders are filled with complex astronomical tables and scales. It is a story of a time when the gap between science and art was non-existent; every line was measured with the latest instruments, yet every inch of the paper was treated as a canvas for the glory of the Venetian state.

Chronicles of the Map

• The Coronelli Style: Known for his clean, bold engraving style, Coronelli’s maps are instantly recognizable by their elegant calligraphy and the massive, ornate cartouches that dominate the corners.

• The Marcello Dedication: The large draped banner in the upper left features a dedication to Pietro Marcello, a high-ranking Venetian Senator, highlighting the map's status as a prestige item for the ruling elite.

• Terra Australis Incognita: At the bottom of the map, the "Unknown Southern Land" is shown as a massive, partially defined coastline, reflecting the geographic theories of the late 1600s before the full discovery of Australia.

• Astronomical Scales: The map is encircled by various mathematical and astronomical scales, including the "Tavola dell' Ombre" (Table of Shadows), used for calculating the sun's position and the earth's curvature.