Map of Ancient Spain and Portugal Hispania, 1784

Details

Description

Title: "Hispania Antiqua in Tres Praecipuas Partes Divisa: Tarraconensem, Lusitaniam, et Bæticam" by Robert de Vaugondy, 18th Century : This … Read more Title: "Hispania Antiqua in Tres Praecipuas Partes Divisa: Tarraconensem, Lusitaniam, et Bæticam" by Robert de Vaugondy, 18th Century : This beautifully detailed map titled "Hispania Antiqua in Tres Praecipuas Partes Divisa: Tarraconensem, Lusitaniam, et Bæticam" was created by the renowned French cartographer **Robert de Vaugondy** (Gilles or Didier) in the mid-18th century, likely around the 1750s. The map is a historical representation of the Iberian Peninsula during the Roman era, illustrating its division into the three principal regions: Tarraconense, Lusitania, and Bætica. The map is meticulously engraved and provides a detailed depiction of ancient geographical features and cities, including **Valentia (Valencia)**, **Carthago Nova (Cartagena)**, **Gades (Cádiz)**, and **Emerita Augusta (Mérida)**. The Balearic Islands, referred to as **Baleares Insulae seu Gymnesiae**, are prominently featured, with the islands of **Majorca (Balearis Major)**, **Minorca (Balearis Minor)**, and **Ibiza (Ebusus)** clearly labeled. The decorative cartouche in the bottom right corner adds an artistic touch to the map, highlighting the title and credits. The cartographer, Robert de Vaugondy, was part of a famous family of mapmakers and was well-known for his detailed and accurate representations of historical geography. This map not only serves as a geographical reference but also as a valuable historical document, offering insights into the territorial organization and key locations of the Roman Empire's influence in the Iberian Peninsula. Paolo Santini (1729-1793) was an Venetian engraver known especially for his religious prints and fine cartographic engravings. He published in Venice and may have a been a member of the clergy. In his maps, he largely adopted and adapted the work of his French counterparts, especially the brothers de Vaugondy. Nicolas Sanson, often referred to as the "father of French cartography," was a significant influence on many later mapmakers, including Robert de Vaugondy. Sanson’s work laid the foundation for modern cartography in France, and his methods and styles were widely respected and imitated. In the case of this map, Robert de Vaugondy mentions Sanson on the map because: 1. **Acknowledgment of Influence**: Sanson was one of the pioneering cartographers who extensively studied and mapped ancient Roman territories, including Hispania (modern-day Spain and Portugal). By referencing Sanson, Vaugondy acknowledges the intellectual foundation and geographical information that influenced his own work. 2. **Credibility and Authority**: Mentioning Sanson adds credibility to the map. Collectors and scholars at the time would recognize Sanson’s name as a mark of high-quality and authoritative cartography, which would in turn reflect positively on Vaugondy’s work. 3. **Continuation of Tradition**: Vaugondy’s reference to Sanson indicates that his map is part of the cartographic tradition established by Sanson, which was well-regarded for its accuracy and detail. It suggests that Vaugondy’s map continues the legacy of Sanson’s meticulous work in mapping ancient Roman territories. In summary, Sanson is mentioned on the map to acknowledge his foundational contributions to the field of cartography, to lend authority and credibility to Vaugondy’s work, and to position the map within a respected tradition of geographic scholarship. See less