The artwork
This splendid plate is part of the celebrated geographical atlas of the Kingdom of Naples, drawn up by order of Ferdinand IV, King of the Two Sicilies, by Giovanni Antonio Rizzi-Zannoni, geographer to His Majesty, and completed in 1808. This edition was presumably published in 1820, on the basis of the dedication to Ferdinand IV on the title page: an update on the original 1808 edition, which still named Napoleon. Ferdinand reigned until 1825.
Giovanni Antonio Rizzi-Zannoni (1736–1814) worked in Naples for over twenty years, first as royal geographer and then, from 1781, as director of the Topographical Office. The maps of the atlas, based on trigonometric surveys, represent a significant advance in Italian cartography in precision and method; indeed, the Cassini projection was adopted.
This plate in particular consists of two main sections: the cartographic section on the left, presenting a detailed map of the coastal region. One can observe the mountain relief, a jagged coastline indicative of the geomorphology of the territory, and the sea, shown with a few sailing vessels, suggesting the maritime activity of the time. Also visible are the indications of the "Distanze Occidentali" and "Meridionali" and the subdivisions "Divisione Orientale" and "Meridiana di Napoli".
The more artistic title section on the right contains the full title of the atlas and an allegorical illustration. The title, framed by a cloud of volcanic smoke, confirms the author, the patron and the year of publication of the plate. Beneath the title, the landscape depicts an erupting volcano, probably Vesuvius, some allegorical female figures surrounded by natural elements such as rocks and vegetation, and the coastal landscape.
The atlas, as well as being a highly important geographical tool, is a tangible testimony to an age of great political and scientific change, a true artistic and technical masterpiece that continues to enchant with its beauty and historical accuracy.
Unique quality material
Print on handmade Amalfi paper
Sheet size: 29 x 42 cm (11.4 x 16.5 in)
With frame: 31 x 44 cm (12.2 x 17.3 in)
Material: artwork printed on very fine handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges
Frame: light brown beech wood and wood pulp, handmade
