Pianta Topografica della Città di Roma (Topographical Plan of the City of Rome)
Hand-colored engraved map on paper • Based on the cartography of Giambattista Nolli (1701–1756) and Giovanni Filippo Roisecco.
Style & Movement
Enlightenment-era Cartography / Neoclassical Geographic Illustration.
Medium & Technique
Etching and engraving with later hand-coloring in watercolor. The technique utilizes fine line work for architectural details and washes for green spaces and urban blocks.
Creation Period
Original cartography mid-18th century (c. 1748), likely a 19th or 20th-century reprint or high-quality facsimile.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 70 x 90 cm; Landscape format.
Subject Description
An ichnographic plan of Rome showing the city within the Aurelian Walls. It features highly detailed footprints of palaces, churches, and ruins, including the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica. A comprehensive index (Spiegazione di Numeri) identifies key landmarks by number.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paper shows visible horizontal and vertical fold lines consistent with being bound in an atlas or folded for travel.
Estimated Market Value
$250 - $600 USD (assuming it is a high-quality later printing or mid-range reproduction).
Auction Estimate
$200 - $450 USD.
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired from a map dealer or gallery specialized in Grand Tour memorabilia. No specific collector stamps are visible.
Art Historical Significance
Representing a milestone in urban mapping, the Nolli map was the first accurate survey of Rome since antiquity, influencing urban planning and cartography for two centuries.
Notable Features
Includes a comprehensive numbered legend; the color palette distinguishes between 'rioni' (districts), gardens, and water (Tiber River).
Condition Issues
Prominent fold creases, slight yellowing/toning of paper, and minor undulations under the glass. Possible light fading of the green pigments.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-protective glass and acid-free mounting. Avoid display in direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the hand-coloring.