Coronelli, Vincenzo Maria. Del Sito Distanza, Divisione, e Differenti Abitatori della Terra. Venice: ca. 1691. [South Pole]

Vincenzo Maria Coronelli

Del Sito Distanza, Divisione, e Differenti Abitatori della Terra [calotte of the south pole]

Venice, 1691

26 1/4 x 19 1/8 inches sheet

The map *Del Sito Distanza, Divisione, e Differenti Abitatori della Terra*, created in 1691 by Vincenzo Maria Coronelli, is a significant artifact of early modern cartography. It represents the South Pole at a time when European knowledge of the southernmost parts of the world was extremely limited. During this period, the exploration of the polar regions was largely based on speculation and myth, as actual exploration of these areas had not yet been accomplished.

This map is emblematic of the Baroque era's blend of science, art, and imagination. It reflects both the curiosity and the limitations of the time, illustrating not only the known geographical features but also the hypothetical ones. The map likely includes speculative landmasses and coastlines, embodying the mysteries that surrounded the southern polar region before it was fully explored.

Coronelli's work is particularly notable for its detail and artistic quality, which were hallmarks of his maps. His maps were not merely navigational tools but were also considered works of art, prized for their aesthetic as much as their practical value. This map, created in Venice—a hub of cartographic production during the Renaissance—serves as a window into the early modern European worldview, where the unknown was often filled with imaginative details.

### Biography of Vincenzo Maria Coronelli

Vincenzo Maria Coronelli (1650–1718) was an Italian cartographer, geographer, and encyclopedist, renowned for his exquisite and detailed maps and globes. Born in Venice, Coronelli was a member of the Franciscan order and initially trained for the priesthood. However, his passion for geography and cartography soon became his primary focus.

Coronelli gained widespread recognition for his map-making skills, particularly for his large and highly detailed globes. His most famous works include a pair of globes created for Louis XIV of France, which were considered masterpieces of the time due to their size and the precision of the geographical data.

In 1680, Coronelli founded the *Accademia Cosmografica degli Argonauti* in Venice, which was one of the first geographical societies in the world. His work as a mapmaker was characterized by a combination of scientific accuracy and artistic embellishment. His maps often included detailed depictions of regions, along with annotations, decorative elements, and representations of local flora, fauna, and inhabitants.

Coronelli's contributions to cartography were not just in the maps themselves but also in the dissemination of geographical knowledge. His maps were widely distributed across Europe, influencing both the scientific community and the general public's understanding of the world.

Throughout his life, Coronelli published numerous atlases, globes, and geographical works. His legacy is that of a pioneer who merged the realms of art and science, helping to chart the world at a time when much of it remained unknown. His work continues to be admired for its historical significance and artistic beauty.