Collections | Printed Books & Bindings

Benedetto Bordone (1460–1531)
Isolario (Book of Islands)
Printed by Nicolò Zappino in Venice, 1528
Opening: Map of Vinegia (Venice)
Gift of Lydia L. Redmond, in memory of her mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. William M. Clearwater, 1996; PML 125859
See CORSAIR catalog record for this item »

Originally intended as a guide for sailors, Bordone's Isolario describes the important islands and ports throughout the Mediterranean and in other parts of the world, also touching on their culture and history. Some of the illustrations are among the earliest printed maps of the regions depicted. The book also includes new discoveries, such as the connection between North and South America. The polymath Bordone—a miniaturist, astrologer, engraver, and cartographer—helped to establish island books as a popular new genre in Italy, and many were produced in Venice.

This marvelously detailed map of Venice (Vinegia) provides an excellent perspective of the lagoon and surrounding islands, detailing the major canals and landmarks in and around the city.

See enlargement/print this image
List of works
Text only list
Search images