Nolli's fine plan of Rome
By NOLLI, Giovanni Battista , 1748
Sold

[Plan of Rome] Alla Santita di Nostro Signore Papa Benedetto XIV La Nuova Topografia di Roma Ossequiosamente Offerisce e Dedica Umilissimo Servo Giambattista Nolli Comasco.

Europe Italy
  • Author: NOLLI, Giovanni Battista
  • Publication place: [Rome
  • Publication date: 1748].
  • Physical description: Engraved plan on 12 sheets, joined and mounted on linen, edged in blue paper on original rollers, evenly aged toned, a few minor tears.
  • Dimensions: 1680 by 2040mm. (66.25 by 80.25 inches).
  • Inventory reference: 1687

Notes

The finest of the eighteenth century plans of Rome and the first plan of the city based upon geodetic principles. With Rocque’s plan of London and Bretez’s plan of Paris, Nolli’s plan ranks as one of the greatest eighteenth century plans of any European city. Rome essentially appears in its Renaissance form with large areas within the ancient walls still occupied by villas with extensive fields, orchards and gardens. The Colosseum, for example, still stands in virtually open country. Many important ancient sites, such as the Circus Maximus and the Forum, are shown in an unearthed state. The lower sheets are almost entirely taken up by lavish, finely-engraved ornamentation in the style of Piranesi. In the lower left corner is a montage of classical landmarks, including the Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, the Forum and Trajan’s Column, before which are allegorical figures including Romulus and Remus in the form of broken ancient statuary. The lower right corner contains an allegorical representation of the Church seated before Michaelangelo’s assemblage of buildings on the Capitoline Hill. Frutaz CLXIXa.

/