Large Double Page Detailed Map of Italy and Surrounding Regions, 1794, Set of 2

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This is a large (two seperate sheets) and detailed map of Italy, including the southern parts of Germany, Dalmatia, the … Read more This is a large (two seperate sheets) and detailed map of Italy, including the southern parts of Germany, Dalmatia, the adjacent countries, and the Illyric Islands. The map is titled *Italy with the Addition of the Southern Parts of Germany as far as Pettau in Stiria, Murlakia, Dalmatia, the Adjacent Countries and all the Illyric Islands*, and was created by the renowned mapmaker Louis Stanislas d'Arcy Delarochette. It was published in London by William Faden in the year 1794. ### Mapmaker and Publisher: Louis Stanislas d'Arcy Delarochette was a prominent cartographer during the late 18th century, known for his meticulous work in geography. This map was printed by William Faden, the leading English map publisher of his time, often working with cartographers of great repute to produce high-quality and accurate maps. ### Year of Publication: 1794, during the late 18th century, a period known for considerable political change in Europe, as well as advances in geographic knowledge due to exploration and mapping. ### Key Features of the Map: 1. **Detailed Coverage**: The map offers an extremely detailed depiction of Italy, covering not only the Italian peninsula but also neighboring areas such as southern Germany, Dalmatia, and the Illyrian provinces. It also includes islands such as Sardinia, Corsica, and Sicily. 2. **Accurate Topography**: This map emphasizes the physical geography of the region with shaded relief to depict mountainous areas, especially the Alps and Apennines. Rivers, lakes, and coastal features are also intricately detailed. 3. **Geopolitical Importance**: The map captures a critical period in European history. Italy, as shown here, is still fragmented into various states, duchies, and republics, prior to its unification in the 19th century. This makes it a valuable historical document for understanding Italy's pre-unification political landscape. 4. **Place Names**: The map is filled with place names, including cities, towns, and villages across Italy, Germany, and neighboring regions. Major cities such as Rome, Venice, Florence, Naples, and Milan are prominently marked. Additionally, important waterways, such as the Po River and the Adriatic Sea, are shown. 5. **Cartographic Aesthetics**: The map is not only functional but also visually striking, with color-coded regions to differentiate political boundaries. The hand-colored borders are a feature typical of high-quality maps from this period. 6. **Scale and Reference**: The map includes a reference scale in both Italian miles and British miles, allowing for easy calculation of distances. There is also a detailed legend explaining the different types of roads, regions, and boundaries depicted. ### Why This Map is Special: This map is significant for several reasons. First, it offers a snapshot of Italy before its unification, providing valuable insights into the complex political and territorial divisions of the time. Second, it is a finely executed example of cartography from the late 18th century, a period when European mapmaking was becoming increasingly precise and detailed due to advances in surveying techniques. The inclusion of neighboring regions such as Dalmatia and southern Germany also highlights the geopolitical importance of Italy within the broader European context. Finally, the map was produced by two renowned figures in the world of cartography: Louis Stanislas d'Arcy Delarochette, known for his meticulous geographic work, and William Faden, the leading map publisher of the era. Their collaboration produced a map that was both highly functional and aesthetically impressive, making it a valuable piece for collectors and historians alike. See less