Detail of the geographical atlas of the Kingdom of Naples by Giovanni Antonio Rizzi-Zannoni

This splendid plate is part of the famous geographical atlas of the Kingdom of Naples, which was outlined by order of Ferdinand IV, King of the Two Sicilies, by Giovanni Antonio Rizzi-Zannoni, His Majesty's geographer, and completed in 1808. This edition was presumably published in 1820, based on the dedication to Ferdinand IV on the title page: an update to the original 1808 edition, which still cited 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 in the atlas, based on trigonometric surveys, represent a significant advancement in Italian cartography for their precision and method, as the Cassini projection was adopted.

This particular plate consists of two main sections: the cartographic section on the left, which presents a detailed map of the coastal region. One can observe: mountainous reliefs, an indented coastline, indicative of the territory's geomorphology, and the sea, which is represented with some sailing boats, suggesting the maritime activity of the era. Indications for "Western Distances" and "Southern Distances" and the subdivisions of "Eastern Division" and "Naples Meridian" are also visible.

The title section on the right, more artistic, contains the complete title of the atlas and an allegorical illustration. The title, framed by a cloud of volcanic smoke, confirms the author, the commissioner, and the publication year of the plate. Below 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, in addition to being a crucial geographical tool, is a tangible testament to an era of great political and scientific changes, a true artistic and technical masterpiece that continues to enchant with its beauty and historical accuracy.

Material of unique quality

Print on handmade Amalfi paper
Sheet size: 40 x 30 cm
With frame: 43 x 33 cm
Material: artwork printed on very high quality handmade Amalfi paper with frayed edges
Frame: Light brown, made of beech wood and handmade wood paste