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Description

This rare perspective view of Rome by Balthasar Jenichen was created in Nuremberg in the second half of the 16th century, around 1570. It reflects the artistic and cartographic traditions influenced by earlier views, such as those found in the works of Sebastian Münster and the Bergomensis panorama.

The view is oriented with north at the bottom, and it uses an oblique projection to present the cityscape. Notably, this map omits key architectural landmarks, such as the Colosseum, linking it more closely to earlier Münster depictions of Rome. The composition demonstrates both Jenichen’s artistic interpretation and inaccuracies, such as misplacing the Aventine Hill near the Porta del Popolo.

The present example includes German text. A Latin text example was also issued. The fiew includes a legend in the upper left, marked with cross-reference letters (A-Z), which correspond to key locations across the city. Jenichen’s relied upon other sources, as he was not known to have visited Rome himself. 

This map is an example of the so-called "broad sheet maps," a genre popular among German publishers of the period. Balthasar Jenichen, alongside collaborators like Matthias Zündt, contributed to this ephemeral genre, which frequently mirrored Italian mapmaking traditions. The rarity of these sheets today is due to their having been separately published without a binding or portfolio, and treated as ephemeral in nature.

The text narrates a mytho-historical progression of Roman rulers, transitioning from kings to emperors, and culminating with the enduring papacy. This reflects Renaissance-era views of history, blending classical Roman mythology with ecclesiastical tradition.

Rarity

This is the first example we have seen on the market.

Condition Description
Trimmed to neat line and laid down on an early laid paper.
Balthasar Jenichen Biography

Very little is known of Balthasar Jenichen. He was a German goldsmith, engraver, and publisher who worked in Nuremberg between ca. 1560 and 1599, when he likely died. He started work in Virgil Solis' shop. When Solis died in 1562, Jenichen married his widow and continued the business. A document dating to 1621 mentions that Jenichen's widow sold a number of copper tablets (plates) to Senator Paul Behaim.