The Leardo Map of the World, 1452 or 1453

The Leardo Map of the World, 1452 or 1453 - In the Collections of the American Geographical Society

In 1906 Archer M. Huntington, Esq., presented to the American Geographical Society one of three known maps of the world signed and dated by the Venetian, Giovanni Leardo. Of these, the oldest, as well as the crudest and simplest, is preserved in the Communal Library at Verona and carries the date 1442.[1] The second (1448), somewhat more elaborate in design, belongs to the Civic Museum at Vicenza.[2] The Societys map,[3] the largest of the three, bears the signature in the lower right-hand corner: Johanes Leardus de Venetteis me fezit abano domini 145[?]. The last digit in this inscription is partly mutilated; the date, however, is probably either 1452 or 1453.[4] The Societys map is of primary interest as revealing a conception of the earths surface typical of the century preceding the discovery of America. In its blending of colors and pleasing general composition it forms a work of art of no slight decorative value. Furthermore, the encircling calendar and many details on the map proper are distinctly unusual.[5] The Society has therefore undertaken the publication of a full-sized colored facsimile, in explanation of which the present book was prepared. Drawn on a piece of parchment measuring 28 by 23 inches (72.4 59.4 cm.), the original is in a fair state of preservation except for two pieces torn from the left-hand side, for discolorations, and for the fading 2 of some of the inscriptions. Fortunately, no part of the map itself has been seriously injured. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 53480
Author: Wright, John Kirtland
Release Date: Nov 9, 2016
Format: eBook
Language: English