Old Rare Map of France and the Low Countries by Zenoi, 1561: Paris, Rome, Alps, Pyrenees

Introducing the exquisite "Totius galliae descriptio, cum parte Angliae, Germaniae, Flandriae, Brabantiae, Italiae, Romam usque," a masterpiece of cartography crafted by the renowned Domenico Zenoi in 1561. This rare Lafreri School map, published in Venice, captures the essence of 16th-century geographical knowledge and artistic expression. Based on the influential works of Oronce Fine and Giovanni Andrea Vavassore, this map meticulously condenses the vast expanse of France, Northern Italy, and the Low Countries into a detailed and visually captivating format. The inclusion of many toponyms in French adds a layer of authenticity and historical richness to this remarkable piece.

Domenico Zenoi, a distinguished member of the Lafreri School, was celebrated for his ability to blend precision with artistic flair. This map is a testament to his expertise, showcasing the intricate political boundaries and topographical features of the regions it covers. From the bustling streets of Paris to the serene landscapes of the Pyrenees and the Alps, Zenoi's work offers a window into the past, allowing us to explore the world as it was known over four centuries ago. The decorative compass rose and other embellishments further enhance the map's aesthetic appeal, making it a true collector's item.

The map's geographical scope is vast, encompassing the entirety of France, the northern reaches of Italy, and the culturally rich Low Countries. Notable cities such as Lyon, Marseille, Milan, and Venice are prominently featured, providing a glimpse into the urban centers that played pivotal roles in the history and development of Europe. The map also extends to parts of England, including Wales, and reaches as far south as Rome, illustrating the interconnectedness of these regions during the Renaissance period. The careful depiction of political boundaries and natural features underscores the importance of these areas in the broader European context.

Zenoi's map is not just a geographical representation; it is a work of art that captures the natural beauty and diversity of the landscapes it portrays. The majestic Pyrenees and Alps are depicted with meticulous detail, their rugged peaks and valleys inviting the viewer to imagine the challenges and triumphs of traversing these formidable ranges. The rivers, including the Seine, Loire, and Rhone, wind their way through the map, highlighting the vital role these waterways played in trade, travel, and communication. The inclusion of the Oceanus Britannicus (English Channel) and the Mare Ligusticum (Ligurian Sea) further emphasizes the maritime connections that shaped the history of these regions.

Historically, this map holds significant value as it reflects the cartographic knowledge and artistic sensibilities of the 16th century. It serves as a bridge between the past and present, offering insights into the political, cultural, and natural landscapes of Renaissance Europe. The map's detailed and condensed format, based on the earlier works of Fine and Vavassore, demonstrates the evolution of cartographic techniques and the desire to create accessible yet comprehensive representations of the world. Owning this map is not just about possessing a piece of history; it is about appreciating the skill, dedication, and vision of the mapmakers who sought to capture the essence of their world for future generations.

Cities and towns on this map

France:

• Paris
• Lyon
• Marseille
• Toulouse
• Bordeaux
• Lille
• Strasbourg
• Nantes
• Montpellier
• Rennes
• Reims
• Le Havre
• Saint-Étienne
• Toulon
• Grenoble
• Dijon
• Angers
• Nîmes
• Villeurbanne
• Clermont-Ferrand
• Limoges
• Tours
• Amiens
• Metz
• Perpignan
• Orléans
• Mulhouse
• Rouen
• Caen
• Nancy
• Brest
• Pau
• Valenciennes
• La Rochelle
• Saint-Malo
• Avignon
• Annecy
• Chambéry
• Besançon
• Bayonne
• Tarbes
• Albi
• Carcassonne
• Colmar
• Troyes
• Poitiers
• Ajaccio
• Bastia

Northern Italy:

• Milan
• Venice
• Turin
• Genoa
• Bologna
• Florence
• Verona
• Padua
• Trieste
• Brescia
• Parma
• Modena
• Reggio Emilia
• Bergamo
• Vicenza
• Trento
• Bolzano
• Udine
• Treviso
• Piacenza
• Ferrara
• Ravenna
• Rimini
• Pisa (partially shown)
• Rome (in the far bottom-right corner)

Low Countries (modern-day Belgium and the Netherlands):

• Brussels
• Antwerp
• Ghent
• Bruges
• Liège
• Leuven
• Mechelen
• Namur
• Mons
• Ypres

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations: Decorative compass rose
• Bodies of water:
• Oceanus Britannicus (English Channel)
• Mare Ligusticum (Ligurian Sea)
• Several rivers including the Seine, Loire, and Rhone
• Borders: Political boundaries of France, Northern Italy, and the Low Countries
• Mountains:
• Pyrenees (Pyrene Mons)
• Alps (Alpes)
• Other smaller mountain ranges depicted with pictorial symbols
• Other notable features:
• Decorative elements such as the compass rose
• Topographical features depicted with hachures and shading

Historical and design context

• Very rare Lafreri School map of France by Domenico Zenoi, published in Venice in 1561.
• The map is based, probably indirectly, on the 1525 Oronce Fine map of France. It is likely that its more direct antecedent was Giovanni Andrea Vavassore's 1536 version of the Fine France.
• The map is a reduced-size version of earlier maps but retains comprehensive detail.
• Many toponyms are written in French.
• Unlike the copy by Pirro Ligorio, the title here indicates the author of the model map: Oronce Fine.
• The map reflects the cartographic knowledge and artistic style of the 16th century.
• It shows the influence of earlier works by Oronce Fine and Giovanni Andrea Vavassore.
• The map is part of the Lafreri School tradition, known for its high-quality and decorative maps.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.