Permanent collection
Planisphere (Flat Map of the World)
- Year
- 1531
- Medium
- Vellum, ink, gold, silver and lapis lazuli
- Dimensions
- 91.4 × 204.2 cm
- Accession
- LAD 2017.005
- Status
- On display
Drawn in Genoa around 1531 by the Italian cartographer Vesconte Maggiolo (1476–1531), this richly illuminated world map on vellum records the rapidly expanding geographical knowledge of the early 16th century, when new sea routes linked Europe with Africa, the Indian Ocean and Asia. Its coastlines, ports and compass roses reflect the practical cartography used by navigators, while gold, silver and lapis lazuli make it a luxury object. Louvre Abu Dhabi collection.