Map of the Bishopric of Brescia and Milan by Jodocus Hondius

This evocative map of the bishopric of Brescia and Milan, created by the renowned Flemish cartographer Jodocus Hondius at the beginning of the 17th century, represents a vast area of Lombardy with extraordinary precision and artistic flair. The geographical center of the map is the city of Bergamo, but the engraving extends to embrace crucial cities and territories such as Milan, Brescia, Cremona, and the main lake basins of northern Italy, including Lake Como, Lake Iseo, and Lake Garda.

The map covers the region between Lake Como and Lake Garda, extending south to the banks of the Po river, thus offering an overview of the northern heart of the peninsula in an era of great political and religious upheaval. The main intent of the work is to illustrate the boundaries and power centers of the bishopric; but Hondius goes far beyond mere administrative function, including naturalistic details and settlements with remarkable accuracy.

The elegant decorative cartouche containing the title, richly adorned in the Flemish Baroque style, adds charm to the work, transforming it into a valuable object for both contemporary observers and modern collectors. A perfect example of Hondius's cartographic mastery, which left a visual legacy of great impact for the historical knowledge of the Lombard territory.

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, made of beech wood and handcrafted wood pulp