Coronelli, Vincenzo Maria. Quantung, e Folien, Provincie della China. Venice, 1695.

Vincenzo Maria Coronelli
Quantung, e Folien, Provincie della China
Venice: 1695
20 x 29 1/2 inches
Copperplate engraving

The map titled *"Quantung, e Folien, Provincie della China"* was created by the renowned Venetian cartographer and cosmographer Vincenzo Maria Coronelli in 1695. Coronelli, known for his detailed and artistic approach to mapmaking, was one of the leading figures in cartography during the late 17th century. His work often combined scientific precision with artistic flourish, a characteristic evident in this map.

This map focuses on the provinces of Guangdong ("Quantung") and Fujian ("Folien") in southern China. At the time, these regions were significant for their economic contributions, particularly in trade and agriculture. Guangdong was the gateway for foreign trade, especially with Europeans, and Fujian was known for its extensive coastline and maritime activities.

Coronelli's map reflects the European fascination with the East during the Age of Exploration. By the late 17th century, European powers had established a presence in Asia, particularly through trading companies like the British East India Company and the Dutch East India Company. This map would have been valuable not just as a navigational tool but also as a representation of European ambitions in the region.

The map is detailed, with careful attention to the topography, including rivers, mountains, and coastlines, which were crucial for navigation and understanding the geography of the area. It also includes illustrations of ships and sea monsters, common in maps of this period, symbolizing the unknown and the dangers of exploration.

The creation of this map in Venice, a major hub of trade and culture in Europe, underscores the importance of the Mediterranean as a center for knowledge dissemination. Venice was a leading center for map production, and Coronelli's work would have been highly sought after by merchants, explorers, and scholars interested in Asia.

In summary, Coronelli's *"Quantung, e Folien, Provincie della China"* is a rich historical document that offers insights into 17th-century European perceptions of China, the importance of southern Chinese provinces in global trade, and the blend of art and science in early modern cartography.