Catalog Archive
Auction 180, Lot 595

"Roma / ... Urbis Ichnographiam a Leonardo Bufalino Ligneis Formis Evulgatam Servata Proportione Contractam Atq. Aeri incsam Jo. Bapta. Nolli... ", Nolli, Giovanni Battista

Subject: Rome, Italy

Period: 1748 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
27.1 x 17.7 inches
68.8 x 45 cm
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This stunning plan of the Eternal City was one of the two smaller maps that originally accompanied the famous 1748 "Nolli Map" of Rome. It is a reduced version of Leonardo Bufalini's plan of 1551, the first printed plan of the city. Bufalini's plan served as the inspiration for Nolli's map. By issuing a reproduction of Bufalini's plan along with his more accurate and updated plan, Nolli both paid tribute to his predecessor and invited comparison with his own work. The intricately detailed plan includes an index that identifies 307 places of interest. The Colosseum, Vatican City, Circus Maximus, various ancient baths, and many other sites are easily discernible. In the bottom corners, there are views showing the Pantheon and the Arch of Janus, respectively. The elaborate cartouche at top left features a dedication to Cardinal Silvio Valenti. Engraved by Carlo Nolli and Francesco Monaco.

References:

Condition: B+

A nice impression, issued folding on a sheet with a fleur-de-lis watermark with light soiling and minor scattered foxing. There are professional repairs to some separations along the folds as well as to a tear that enters 1" into image at left.

Estimate: $700 - $850

Sold for: $650

Closed on 11/18/2020

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