Italy - Napoli

Christopher Weigel, Ora Baiana and Puteolana at hot springs... circa 1720. Copper engraving in contemporary color. 33x40 cm. Sheet: 39x46 cm. Title within a frame of Roman medals in the upper left, plate numbered "17" in the upper right. View of the Gulf of Naples, first printed in Nuremberg in 1718. Sheet size: about 39×46 cm Support: Wove paper with an unrecognized watermark Condition: Good condition, with some stains on recto and verso and a very subtle bottom crease almost invisible The map portrays, in an extremely detailed manner, the area of the Phlegraean Fields in Campania, celebrated since Roman times for its ports, the scenic beauty and its curative thermal springs ("calidis fontibus... et deliciis Romanorum celeberrima"), clearly visible in contemporary illustrations. The most evident and precious feature of this copy is the spectacular cartouche on the left side, surrounded by hand-colored medallions. Each of these circles depicts ancient Roman coins or important archaeological remains of the area, serving as a historical and artistic legend to understand the archaeological importance of the Phlegraean territory. In the main body of the map the inlets of Sinus Baianus (Bay of Baiae) and Sinus Puteolanus (Bay of Pozzuoli) are clearly recognizable, with an accurate depiction of the coast, vegetation, and the small fortified towns. NOT shipped to the United States.

Estimate:£0.85

View all items fromCatawikiorBooks, Maps & Manuscripts