THE FINEST 18TH-CENTURY PLAN OF ROME 

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THE FINEST 18TH-CENTURY PLAN OF ROME 

BY GIAMBATTISTA NOLLI (1701 – 1756) 

Published 1748.

Dimensions (Framed):
Main Section:
Height: 187 cm
Height: 187 cm

Side Sections:
Width: 220 cm
Width: 51 cm

Giovanni Battista Nolli’s Nuova Pianta di Roma (1748) represents a landmark achievement in the history of cartography and urban design—arguably the most important and refined plan of Rome ever produced in the 18th century. 

As noted by Jessica Maier (The Eternal City, p. 138), “Nolli’s map set a new benchmark for the scientific mapping of Rome and of all 

cities,” even as it catered to an elite audience of discerning collectors.

It was produced and published in response to the commission of Pope Benedict XIV to survey Rome in order to help create demarcations for the 14 traditional rioni or districts. 

It was by far the most accurate description of Rome produced to date at a time when the architectural achievement of the Papacy was in full flower.

This monumental work, engraved across twelve sheets and accompanied by an extensive index of nearly 1,300 sites, stands alongside the great urban surveys of Enlightenment Europe, including Rocque’s London (1746) and Turgot’s Paris (1739). Yet Nolli’s achievement is distinguished by its extraordinary precision and methodological innovation.

PRICE: £36,000