Pianta Topografica della Città di Roma
Cartographic print, decorative map on paper • After Giovanni Filippini (indicated by the inscription 'delineato dall’ Ingegnere Giovanni Filippini')
Style & Movement
Neoclassical Cartography / Grand Tour aesthetic
Medium & Technique
Offset lithographic reproduction of an early 19th-century copperplate engraving; hand-colored or printed color on textured paper
Creation Period
Modern reproduction (mid-to-late 20th century) of an 18th/19th-century map original
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 70 x 90 cm; landscape format
Subject Description
A comprehensive topographical plan of the city of Rome featuring the Tiber River, the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Aurelian walls. The map includes a numerical legend (Spiegazione di Numeri) identifying major monuments, churches, and palaces, along with a compass rose.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. Displayed in a contemporary gilt frame; paper shows intentional 'antique' patination or natural light-related yellowing.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD (primarily decorative value)
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a high-end interior decor retailer or a museum gift shop; no evidence of early archival provenance or collector stamps is visible.
Art Historical Significance
As a reproduction, its significance lies in the preservation of the Filippini school's cartographic style, which bridged the gap between the Nolli map (1748) and modern urban planning documentation.
Notable Features
Includes a highly detailed numerical index typical of late Enlightenment cartography; decorative gilt framing adds significant aesthetic presence.
Condition Issues
Visible center vertical crease and horizontal fold lines suggesting it was originally folded in a book or travel guide; minor paper rippling (cockling) under the glass; slight fading of pigments.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-filtering glass to prevent further pigment fading; use acid-free mounting materials to prevent mat burn or foxing.