Charming pictorial map of the region of Lazio and the city of Rome, decorated with illustrations of local landmarks, pastimes, and commercial produce.


This small distinctive pictorial map was issued as part of the "Imago Italiae". It was compiled by the venerable firm of Giovanni de Agostini and his descendants, one of the foremost map publishers in twentieth century Italy. The aesthetic of the maps was designed and painted by the notable Russian exiled artist Vsevolod Petrovic Nicouline.


This collection of maps was first issued in a folio form in 1939, probably inspired by the work of other notable graphic artists in the pictorial genre such as Macdonald Gill and Lucien Boucher. The collection must have proved successful as a commercial project since a new, reduced edition was produced after World War II with two additional maps, Dalmatia and Corsica. The use of English suggests it was aimed at an international audience to promote Italy as a destination.

The work as a whole is noted for its charming aesthetic and the gold and silver highlights often present on the maps. Like Gill and Boucher, the de Agostini maps have achieved the distinction of being instantly recognisable for their style and content.


Printed colour [IT3434]