Vincenzo Maria Coronelli Paintings

Vincenzo Maria Coronelli was an Italian Franciscan friar, cosmographer, cartographer, publisher, and encyclopedist known for his precise and beautifully crafted maps and globes. Born on August 16, 1650, in Venice, Italy, Coronelli showed an early interest in mathematics and geography, which eventually led him to join the Franciscan order and study theology and philosophy.

Coronelli gained fame for his skill in creating globes, which were highly valued by the aristocracy and intellectuals of the time. His first major commission came in 1678 when he was asked to create two large globes for the Duke of Parma. These globes, each with a diameter of five feet, were so well received that they led to further commissions, including a pair for the French King Louis XIV in 1683, which were even larger.

Aside from globes, Coronelli was also a prolific mapmaker, and his most significant contribution in this area was the 'Atlante Veneto,' a comprehensive atlas that covered the known world in great detail. His maps were not only accurate but also richly adorned with ornate decorations, making them valuable works of art as well as functional tools for navigation and education.

Coronelli founded the Accademia Cosmografica degli Argonauti, the world's first geographical society, in 1684. He also produced over 140 titles, including the 'Corso Geografico Universale,' a geographical, historical, and chronological atlas; and the 'Biblioteca Universale Sacro-Profana,' an encyclopedic collection of all the knowledge of the time.

Throughout his life, Coronelli was recognized for his scholarly contributions and was appointed official cosmographer to the Republic of Venice. His work had a lasting impact on the fields of cartography and geography, and his globes and maps continue to be celebrated for their historical significance and craftsmanship.

Vincenzo Maria Coronelli passed away on December 9, 1718, in Venice. His legacy endures through the numerous maps and globes that survive him, as well as through the continued study and appreciation of his work by historians, geographers, and collectors around the world.