Produced and published by Venetian engraver and painter Ferrando Bertelli, this renaissance work is a genuine piece of cartographical history, and one of the earliest depictions go the entire globe. Bertelli was active for nearly five decades, and his distinctive style and unique aesthetic distinguish this work as a classic depiction from the renaissance era. This period of enlightenment, modernization, and transition was associated with significant social change throughout Europe. Bertelli’s ornate flourishes, including sailing vessels and used various colors to distinguish land and sea, were remarkable for the period and immediately transport the viewer back in time, creating an indelible bond between the past and present.This work was donated to the Library of Congress by well-known American businessman and Philanthropist Lessing J. Rosenwald in 1979 at the direction of his estate. Lessing’s private collection held thousands of rare antiquities, including maps, paintings, books, and the “Giant Bible of Mainz,” which has been on permanent display at the entrance to the Library of Congress since Rosenwald’s donation in 1951. The renaissance period is considered one of the most important for cartographic history as scientific advances, classical mapping techniques, and expanding trade routes allowed engravers greater access to geographical data combined with advances in mathematics changed the fundamental concept of the map. As maps became more accurate, explorers were able to travel further and discover new regions. Advances in printing techniques also allowed greater access to physical maps, spurring their production and distribution across Europe and North America. Our museum quality giclee print comes printed with archival ink on premium heavyweight matte paper. This eye-catching vintage map reproduction print makes the perfect gift for anyone that loves history and imagery.
