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Fra’ Mauro Mappa mundi (digital version)

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Fra’ Mauro Mappa mundi (digital version)

Author: Fra' Mauro

Year/Period: 1459

Size:Inches:66 x 66
CM:169 x 169

Price: $1,399.99

SKU: PLAN 22/D

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Description:

N.B. This map (PLAN 22/D) is  the ONLY ONE DIGITALLY REPRODUCED from our entire collection.

The Fra' Mauro Mappa mundi first edition, is undoubtedly "considered the greatest memorial of medieval cartography". it is a map of the world made around 1450 by the Italian cartographer Fra' Mauro. It is a circular planisphere drawn on parchment and set in a wooden frame that measures over two by two meters. It includes Asia, the Indian Ocean, Africa, Europe and the Atlantic. It is oriented with south at the top.

The Fra Mauro world map is a major cartographical work. It took several years to complete and was very expensive to produce. The map contains hundreds of detailed illustrations and more than 3000 descriptive texts. It was the most detailed and accurate representation of the world that had been produced up until that time. As such, the Fra Mauro map is considered one of the most important works in the history of cartography. It marks the end of Bible-based geography in Europe and the beginning of embracing a more scientific way of making maps, placing accuracy ahead of religious or traditional beliefs.

The maker of the map, Fra Mauro, was a Camaldolese monk from the island of Murano near Venice. He was employed as an accountant and professional cartographer. The map was made for the kings and rulers of Venice and Portugal, two of the main seafaring nations of the time.

The map is usually on display at the  Museo Correr (museum) in Venice, Italy.

This version (1,69 by 1,69 mt / 66 by 66 inch) is reproduced slightly smaller than the original map size 2 by 2 mt.

Engraving Information:

This artistic reproduction of a vintage map was made using modern graphic procedures, but obtaining the results found in the antique copperplate engraving technique, as one can easily find out by lightly rubbing his/her finger on the map. This map, which is an exact reproduction of the original antique, is printed on cotton paper panels which are glued and mounted on a cotton cloth background "a stacchi" (slightly separated from each other), in order to allow for folding and easier transport. Finally, map is water-colored by hand making it a truly unique piece, worthy of the original old print.