Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and AfricaGiovanni VespucciNone

Q: Is Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa under copyright?

Yes, this artwork is still under copyright.

Q: What topics does Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa explore?

cartography, maritime history, mediterranean, atlantic ocean, age of discovery, vintage map, europe and africa

Painting
Early Modern
Archivos Estatales

This map covers the Mediterranean and European Atlantic Ocean from Ireland and the southern coast of Scandinavia to The Gambia and the Cabo Rojo (Red Cape) in Africa. It includes enough oceanic space to show the Azores islands, Madeira, the Canary Islands, and Cape Verde. It does not feature any stretch of the South American coast. There are two longitudinal scales over the Atlantic in red and blue. Next to the southernmost scale is a note with a signature and date: Joan Vespuchi (also called Juan Vespucio or Giovanni Vespucci), navigator of His Royal Majesty, fecit in Seville, in the year 1520. Shields are shown over England, Scotland, and Ireland. The main cities are symbolized by seven identical monuments, with red monuments over Tunisia, Milan, and Belgrade (potential threats), and green monuments over Jerusalem, Venice, Seville, and above Morocco. There are flags over Turkey, Crimea, France, and above the Madeira and Canary Islands. This map, created by Juan Vespucio or Giovanni Vespucci, was charted according to the Mediterranean template preserved in the House of Trade (Casa de Contratación). It introduces the subject of navigating to the West across the Atlantic using a double gradient system, reflected in its use of two longitudinal scales. It is highly similar in its profiles of the coasts to the map by Gabriel de Valseca in 1439.

Giovanni Vespucci (1484 –)

Explore the cartography & cosmography of Giovanni Vespucci (Juan Vespuccio), an Italian-Spanish geographer whose maps shaped early European understanding of the world.

Archivos Estatales (Madrid, Spain)

Explore Spain's national archives in Madrid! Discover historical documents – including Cervantes’ papers – spanning centuries. Research genealogy, Spanish history & culture at Archivos Estatales. A key resource for scholars & history buffs.

About this artwork

Title: Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa
Artist: Giovanni Vespucci
Format: Landscape
Copyright status: Under copyright
Where to see it: Archivos Estatales
Medium: Painting
Period: Early Modern
Corpus context: seville trade routes, cartographic innovation
Main color: Rosy Brown
Keywords: vintage maritime map, brown and white tones, mediterranean chart

Quick Facts

Movement: Age of Exploration
Artistic style: Vintage cartography
Title: Portulan Chart of Mediterranean and Atlantic
Artist: Giovanni Vespucci
Influences: Gabriel de Valseca (1439)
Year: 1520

Questions & Answers

Which room is "Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa" by Giovanni Vespucci recommended for?

A reproduction of "Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa" fits well in an office.

Where is "Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa" by Giovanni Vespucci on display today?

The original "Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa" by Giovanni Vespucci is held at the Archivos Estatales, Madrid, Spain. A reproduction allows the work to be displayed at home.

What technique was used for "Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa" by Giovanni Vespucci?

Giovanni Vespucci used the painting technique for "Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa". The technique defines the material nature of the original work.

What use is suggested for "Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa" by Giovanni Vespucci?

A reproduction of "Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa" by Giovanni Vespucci is recommended for conversation. This suggestion follows from the work's subject, mood and colors.

What emotion does "Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa" by Giovanni Vespucci convey?

"Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa" is associated with a nostalgic feeling. The emotional tone describes the impression the work gives.

What mood and emotion come together in "Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa"?

The recorded mood of "Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa" by Giovanni Vespucci is nostalgic, and its emotional tone is nostalgic.

Which artist is "Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa" attributed to?

The artist behind "Portulan Chart of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Coasts of Europe and Africa" is Giovanni Vespucci. The work is catalogued under Giovanni Vespucci's name.