Rare Old Map of Warsaw by Rizzi Zannoni, 1772: Vistula River, Miodowa, Senatorska, Solec, Swietojanska

The "Plan of Warsaw lifted by order of his Excellency Mr. Cte. Bielinski Grand Marshal of the Crown" is an exquisite 18th-century map that offers a fascinating glimpse into the historical layout of Warsaw. Created in 1772 by the renowned Italian cartographer Giovanni Antonio Rizzi Zannoni, this map is a masterpiece of scientific surveying and urban planning. Commissioned by Crown Marshal Bielinski and dedicated to Mr. Cte. Wielhorski, it reflects the meticulous efforts to modernize and accurately chart the city during a pivotal period in Polish history.

This map is not just a geographical representation but a visual journey through the heart of Warsaw. It showcases the city's significant neighborhoods, with detailed depictions of the central area. The intricate layout of streets, such as Miodowa and Senatorska, highlights the bustling urban life of 18th-century Warsaw. The Vistula River (La R.) is prominently featured, flowing gracefully through the city and adding a natural elegance to the map's composition.

Adorned with illustrations of important buildings and edifices, the map serves as a historical record of Warsaw's architectural heritage. The detailed illustrations around the border include notable landmarks that were central to the city's identity. These visual elements not only enhance the map's aesthetic appeal but also provide valuable insights into the architectural styles and significant structures of the time.

The historical significance of this map extends beyond its visual beauty. It represents a critical moment in Warsaw's history, on the eve of the first partition of Poland. The map coincided with efforts by Polish nobles to seek French expertise in restructuring the Polish "Republic." This collaboration is evident in the map's scientific precision and the influence of French architectural and engineering principles.

Rizzi Zannoni's work is a testament to the art and science of cartography. His dedication to accuracy and detail is evident in every aspect of this map, from the meticulously charted streets to the elegantly illustrated landmarks. This map is not just a tool for navigation but a piece of history that captures the essence of Warsaw during a transformative period. It is a valuable addition to any collection, offering a unique window into the past and the rich heritage of one of Europe's most storied cities.

Streets and roads on this map

• Cracoviensis
• Miodowa
• Novolipki
• Praga
• Princips
• Senatorska
• Sienna
• Solec
• Swietojanska
• Ulica
• Ujazdowska
• Wilenska

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations of important buildings and edifices around the border of the map.
• Various important buildings and edifices labelled and illustrated.
• The Vistula River (La R.) is prominently shown.
• A detailed legend explaining various symbols used on the map.
• A decorative cartouche with the map's title and dedication.

Historical and design context

• The most important 18th-century map and view of the city of Warsaw.
• Based on the 4-sheet plan of Warsaw by Pierre Ricaud de Tirregaille, first published in 1762.
• Antonio Rizzi-Zannoni's single-sheet version of the map was published in 1772.
• Pierre Ricaud de Tirregaille was a French Architect and Engineer who worked in Warsaw as a surveyor and army engineer.
• Crown Marshal Bielinski commissioned Tirregaille to prepare a detailed plan of the city, resulting in the first map of Warsaw based on a scientific survey.
• Rizzi-Zannoni's plan coincided with Polish nobles' efforts to enlist French "democracy" experts to help restructure the Polish "Republic" on the eve of the first partition.
• Represents a critical period in Warsaw's history, on the eve of the first partition of Poland.
• Reflects the efforts to modernize and scientifically survey the city.
• Demonstrates the influence of French architectural and engineering expertise in Poland.

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.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.