1821 Cappiardi Map of View of Florence (Firenze), Italy

A striking 1821 Grand Tour map and view of Florence (Firenze), Italy, published in Florence by Angiolo Cappiardi, G. Canacci, and Gaspero Ricci. This map is most unusual as it is etched using the acquaforte technique, a method of printing not commonly associated with maps, but which allows for finely graded tonality and depth.

A Closer Look

The map consists of two sections: the city plan above and a panoramic view from the Boboli Gardens at the bottom. The map is oriented to the northwest, with north roughly at the bottom. It illustrates early 19th-century Florence bisected by the Arno. Plazas are named on the map, but streets are numerically identified according to tables to the left and right of the main map. Some 173 streets are named.

Below the map is a striking view from the Boboli Gardens looking over the city from the southwest. The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, with Brunelleschi's iconic dome, is recognizable, as is the adjacent Campanile di Giottto. Rising in the midground, the Palazzo Vecchio is also immediately recognizable for its crenelated walls and high tower. The Tuscan hills rise in the background.

Florence and the Grand Tour

Tourism to Florence in the 1820s was largely driven by the European Grand Tour, a coming-of-age journey undertaken by wealthy young men, especially from Britain, seeking education and cultural enrichment. Florence, with its rich Renaissance history, stunning architecture, and world-renowned art collections was a major destination on most Grand Tour itineraries. Visitors were drawn to the city’s masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci, as well as its historic churches and palaces. Wealthy tourists would often spend extended periods in the city, learning Italian, studying art, and connecting with local and international intellectual and artistic communities.

Acquaforte

Acquaforte is a form of etching that originated in the early 16th century. The term 'Acquaforte' comes from the Italian words for 'strong water,' referring to the acid used in the process. In this technique, an artist draws on a metal plate, usually copper or zinc, coated with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. Using a pointed needle or similar tool, the artist scratches through the ground to expose the metal beneath, creating the design.

Once the design is completed, the plate is immersed in an acid bath. The acid 'bites' into the exposed metal areas, creating grooves or lines in the surface. After this, the plate is cleaned, and ink is applied to fill the etched lines. The excess ink is wiped off, leaving only the ink in the grooves. The plate is then pressed onto damp paper, transferring the image from the plate to the paper.

Acquaforte allows for fine, detailed lines and a range of tonal effects, making it popular for reproducing detailed drawings and illustrations. Artists such as Rembrandt and Francisco Goya are known for their mastery of this technique, producing works with rich texture and depth.

Publication History and Census

The history of this map is vague. The map, and possibly the view, were engraved in Florence by Angiolo Cappiardi. Some references attribute the view the Gaspardo Ricci and the publication to G. Canacci, although only Cappiardi is named on the document. The map is uncommon but appears on the market from time to time.