Rare Old Pictorial Map of Genoa by Duchetti, 1584: Harbor, Laterna, Ships

Discover the captivating allure of Genoa through the exquisite 1584 birds-eye view map by Claudio Duchetti and Ambrogio Brambilla. This historical masterpiece, titled simply as a pictorial map of Genoa, offers a glimpse into the bustling maritime hub during its golden age. As one of the world's most important trading centers in the 15th and 16th centuries, Genoa's harbor teems with intricately detailed ships and bustling docks, capturing the essence of its commercial prowess. The map's artistry vividly portrays the dramatic topography and architectural grandeur of the city, inviting you to explore its rich history.

The map highlights Genoa's strategic position along the Mediterranean, emphasizing its role as a gateway for commerce and culture. The Laterna di Genova, a prominent feature on the map, stands as a testament to the city's maritime heritage. This iconic lighthouse, the tallest in the world at the time, symbolizes Genoa's navigational significance. The map's detailed rendering of aqueducts showcases the city's advanced infrastructure, essential for sustaining its thriving population and economy.

Immerse yourself in the intricate urban landscape depicted on this map, where winding streets and bustling neighborhoods reveal the vibrant life of Renaissance Genoa. The map's legend, listing 58 places of interest, serves as a guide to the city's architectural and cultural landmarks. From grand cathedrals to bustling marketplaces, each location tells a story of Genoa's rich and diverse heritage. This map not only serves as a historical document but also as an artistic celebration of the city's unique character.

Crafted during the height of the Lafreri School's influence, this map exemplifies the innovative cartographic techniques of the period. The school's renowned mapmakers, including Duchetti and Brambilla, were known for their detailed and aesthetically pleasing creations. Their work, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and artistic flair, has left an indelible mark on the history of cartography. This map of Genoa is a testament to their skill and vision, capturing the essence of a city at the height of its power.

Owning this map is not just about possessing a piece of history; it's about connecting with the spirit of exploration and discovery that defined an era. The map's rich detail and historical significance make it a perfect addition to any collection, offering a window into the past and a reminder of Genoa's enduring legacy. Whether you're a history enthusiast or an art lover, this map is sure to captivate and inspire, serving as a timeless tribute to the city of Genoa.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Landmarks:
• Laterna di Genova (lighthouse).
• Historical harbor and docks.
• Illustrations:
• Numerous ships and boats in the harbor.
• Coat of arms of Naples.
• Neighbourhoods: Detailed urban areas around the harbor.

Historical and design context

• Creation Date: 1584.
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Claudio Duchetti and Ambrogio Brambilla, published in Rome.
• Historical Context:
• Genoa was a major commercial trading center in the 15th and 16th centuries.
• The map reflects Genoa's importance as a powerful trading site during this period.
• Design and Style:
• Birds-eye view highlighting Genoa’s harbor and topographical features.
• Includes a compass rose with eight wind directions.
• Features a legend listing 58 places of interest.
• Historical Significance:
• Depicts Genoa at its height of commercial importance.
• Shows the Laterna di Genova, a significant historical lighthouse.

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 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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.