Germany - Italian; Johann David Köhler (1684–1755) - Italia Longobardica et Graeca - 1721-1750

Italy in the Early Middle Ages – “Italia Longobardica et Graeca” – Köhler / Weigel, Nuremberg, ca. 1730. Old colored copperplate print

A decorative historical map of Italy with appealing coloring and a richly detailed figural title cartouche. Under the title “Italia Longobardica et Graeca Sec. VI. VII. VIII.” the sheet shows the political landscape of Italy in the 6th, 7th, and 8th centuries – a period between Lombard rule and the continuing influence of the Byzantine Empire. The areas color-coded in contrasting hues make the territorial fragmentation of the peninsula vividly clear. Numerous Latin place names and landscapes, finely engraved coastlines, and small mountain sig-natures invite closer inspection. In addition to the Italian mainland, Corsica, Sardinia, a part of Sicily, and the opposite Adriatic coast are depicted.

Especially appealing is the title cartouche at the upper right: a seated figure before an architectural setting lends the map a vivid, Baroque-quality note characteristic of historic cartography. The yellow-brown framing and the pink, green, and turquoise areas provide striking accents.

Historical background

The map illustrates the coexistence of Lombard rule in northern and southern Italy with Byzantine possessions, including the Exarchate of Ravenna. It thus serves as an interesting testimony to how 18th-century scholars cartographically approached the history of medieval Europe. The sheet is attributed to the milieu of Johann David Köhler’s “Kurtzer und gründlicher Anleitung zu der Alten und Mittlern Geographie,” published by Christoph Weigel in Nuremberg. The exact edition of the present exemplar is not determined.

Details about the sheet

Title: Italia Longobardica et Graeca Sec. VI. VII. VIII.

Author / cartographic context: Johann David Köhler (1684–1755)

Publisher: Christoph Weigel, Nuremberg

Dating: First half of the 18th century

Technique: Copperplate engraving with coloring

Inscription: Latin

Presentation: Unmounted single sheet

Condition

Age-related browning of the paper and isolated stains. Visible vertical center crease as well as minor edge irregularities and signs of wear; at the bottom end of the center crease a small defect or tear. The map image and the decorative cartouche are clearly legible. The timing of the coloring is not determined.

Please view the photo carefully as part of the condition description.

An attractive collectible for lovers of old maps, Italian history, and decorative copperplate engravings of the 18th century