Map of the Signoria of Vercelli by Jan Jansson

This rare map of the Lordship of Vercelli, engraved by Jan Jansson in the 17th century, is a remarkable example of Dutch cartography of the period. The map depicts with extraordinary precision the region around Vercelli, located between the Monferrato hills and the Po plain, which was strategically relevant at the time for its ties to the Duchy of Savoy and its control over trade routes between Piedmont and Lombardy. The borders, rivers, inhabited centers, and main roads are represented with care and clarity.

Jan Janssonius (1588–1664), a Dutch publisher and geographer, was one of the leading figures in European cartography during the golden age of publishing in the Netherlands. He worked closely with the Hondius family and contributed to the publication and expansion of the Mercator-Hondius atlas, which was later transformed into the monumental Atlas Novus. His maps are known for their topographic precision and elegant engravings, embellished with decorative cartouches, coats of arms, and heraldic symbols.

This map of Vercelli, in addition to being an important historical document of northern Italy in the 17th century, is also a work of art: printed on copper and hand-colored, it combines geographical rigor with aesthetic appeal. It is a valuable testament to the political and territorial transformations of the era, making it an ideal item for collectors, history enthusiasts, and scholars of the Piedmontese landscape.

Unique quality material

Print on handmade Amalfi Paper
Sheet size: 40 x 30 cm
With frame: 43 x 33 cm
Material: artwork printed on precious handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges
Frame: Light brown, handmade from beech wood and wood pulp