John Speed's map of the ancient Roman Empire is a renowned 17th-century work, distinguished by miniature bird's-eye views of key cities such as Rome, Genoa, Jerusalem, Venice, Constantinople and Alexandria, arranged along the top border. The two sides of the map feature costumed figures depicting men and women from various countries, including Spain, Turkey, Morocco, Italy and Egypt, wearing 17th-century dress. At the bottom, a text panel gives a concise overview of the rise and height of the Roman Empire, providing a rich and engaging historical and geographical description.
John Speed was the most important English cartographer of the 17th century and the creator of the first world atlas in the English language, published as a supplement to his atlas of the British counties. Although intended for the English market, the map was engraved in Amsterdam, reflecting the Dutch style of the period with sumptuous illustrated borders. The quality of the engraving is extraordinary, surpassing that of contemporary English maps and matching the finest Dutch works of the time.
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
How an Amalfi art print is made, what the frame is like, what museum glass is, how long shipping takes, and how returns work: we’ve gathered all the answers on a single page.
