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The Finest 18th-Century Plan of Rome.

"Nolli's map set a new benchmark for the scientific mapping of Rome and of all cities, but it was still geared primarily toward wealthy collectors." - Maier, The Eternal City, page 138

Giovanni Battista Nolli’s Nuova Pianta di Roma (1748) stands as one of the most sophisticated urban maps of the 18th century, uniquely accurate and influential in the development of city planning and cartographic art. This monumental plan of Rome, created on a twelve-sheet layout with a detailed, almost 1,300-place key, is celebrated alongside Rocque's 1746 London and Turgot's 1739 Paris for its extensive accuracy and decorative quality.

Nolli’s plan diverges from traditional bird’s-eye views, presenting a scientifically precise, ground-level perspective grounded in Enlightenment ideals of reason and empirical measurement. Commissioned in 1736 with the support of influential patrons, Nolli—an accomplished engineer and architect from Como—led a dedicated team in a decade-long survey of Rome, employing new instruments and accessing both public and private properties for precise measurements. This method ensured that Nolli’s plan surpassed predecessors, avoiding inherited inaccuracies and depicting the city’s layout with unprecedented precision.

The map spans nearly six by seven feet when assembled. Notably, Nolli innovatively illustrated the urban space in what is now known as a “figure-ground” style: public spaces like streets, piazzas, and church interiors appear unshaded, representing open access, while private buildings are shaded, signaling restricted areas. This contrast in shading was groundbreaking, effectively portraying the accessibility of Rome's public areas and defining its urban form with clarity and distinction.

The lower section of the map is adorned with an elaborate cartouche designed by the artist Stefano Pozzi, who collaborated closely with Nolli. This decorative flourish captures the grandeur of Rome, incorporating a montage of ancient monuments, including the Colosseum, Trajan’s Column, and the Arch of Constantine, along with allegorical figures representing the legendary founders, Romulus and Remus. On the opposite side, an allegory of the Church is positioned, seated before Michelangelo’s structures on Capitoline Hill, symbolizing the union of Rome’s spiritual and architectural legacy. Pozzi’s work captures the Baroque sensibility, adding a visual narrative that complements Nolli’s scientific rigor.

The Nuova Pianta’s importance extends beyond its artistic merits. This is the first map of Rome created using geodetic principles, marking a turning point in urban mapping. Nolli’s surveys allowed him to calculate distances and angles with unmatched accuracy, offering insights into Rome’s topography and infrastructure. The scale and detail of the plan not only guided urban development but also became a reference for architects, scholars, and city planners for centuries.