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Title

Arrangement structure

Item (linked) part of

World maps [cartographic material] (R11981-1-8-E)

Date(s)

ca. 1450](1797)

Place of creation

No place, unknown, or undetermined

Publisher

s.n.

Extent

Scope and content

The famous Borgian world map, extant in the Biblioteca Vaticana, is engraved on two copper plates riveted together to form a circle 63 cm in diameter.Nothing is known about its origin except that it was purchased in Portugal by Cardinal Stefano Borgia in 1794. Like other medieval cartographic specimens, the Borgia map has a limited geographical interest; and like other maps from this era, it is a treasure trove of information regarding the historical significance of all areas of the known world. One of the attractions of the map are the myriad of miniature drawings. An elk or moose appears in Europe from behind some trees, with the tines on the opposing and upper edges of its antlers. Also there is a polar bear emerging from an igloo in Norway, domesticated reindeer, foxes and wolves to be found. Culturally, towns are represented by castellated symbols, a variety of ship-types can be seen in the circumfluent ocean, the Magi of the Gospel story is included and even the Mongolian invasion is illustrated. Legends abound everywhere there is room or no graphic adornment. Surprisingly, unlike many other maps with this degree of illustration, little or no emphasis is given to Jerusalem, i.e. pictorially or through orientation, thus indication of a more sectarian, vice religious, origin and purpose.

Conditions of access

Terms of use

Copyright: Expired
Credit Library and Archives Canada.

Additional name(s)

Borgia, Stefano, 1731-1804.

Additional information

Varying form of title

Borgia world map 

Subject heading

World - Maps - Early works to 1600 .

Source

Private

Other system control no.

CARTO35043

MIKAN no.

4153316