General map of the Kingdom of Naples by Giovanni Antonio Rizzi-Zannoni

This map is part of the edition of the Geographical Atlas of the Kingdom of Naples, and is considered the second printing of Giovanni Antonio Rizzi-Zannoni's work. The first edition was published in 1808.

This work depicts the territory of the Kingdom of Naples, extending from the southern part of the Italian peninsula (roughly from the southern Lazio area downwards) to the tip of Calabria, also including Sicily as an insert in the lower left part. The Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian coasts are clearly visible.

The map is rich in topographical details. The main mountain ranges are represented with a shading effect that indicates their relief. Watercourses are well-defined, and numerous localities, cities, villages, and settlements, indicated by names, can be distinguished. The density of names suggests great attention to the geographical and administrative precision of the time.

In the upper right corner, there is an elegant cartouche with the complete title of the map. This clearly specifies that the map is a summary or an overview of the various sheets that make up the complete atlas.

Rizzi-Zannoni (1736–1814) was among the most authoritative European geographers of the 18th century and worked in Naples for over twenty years, first serving as the sovereign's geographer, then as director of the Topographic Office from 1781. The Atlas project stands out for its adoption of trigonometric surveys, a cutting-edge technique at the time, which guaranteed an unprecedented level of precision in the cartography of Southern Italy.

Unique quality material

Printed on handmade Amalfi paper
Sheet size: 40 x 30 cm
With frame: 43 x 33 cm
Material: work printed on very fine handmade Amalfi paper with frayed edges
Frame: Light brown, made of beech wood and handmade wood pulp