While Hereford’s maps depicted heaven and hell and were designed to summarize knowledge of the world from a spiritual perspective, Fra Mauro adopted a scientific approach to cartography. In his epitaph, he says, “I have investigated the text for many years and have frequently visited those worthy of faith who have seen with their own eyes what I faithfully report here, verifying the text by actual experience. ” he declared.
However, there is more to this than scientific and historical relevance. The most impressive aspect of this map is its magnificence, which is immediately visible as you ascend the white marble stairs of the San Marco Library, which houses some of the world’s most valuable ancient manuscripts.
“It’s huge, beautiful and wonderfully crafted,” said historian Pilarvise Sorzi. Beyond the outlines of countries and continents, Fra Mauro’s Mappa Mundi includes detailed depictions of luxurious palaces, bridges, sailing ships, rolling blue waves, and oversized marine life, as well as a total of 3,000 minute drawings. It is a magnificent gold and blue painting composed of. Kartiri – Red and blue annotations written in ancient Venetian that tell stories, anecdotes, and legends.
For example, in Norway there is a map showing where the Venetian merchant Pietro Querini was shipwrecked and landed. According to the story, he not only survived the accident, but also brought home some dried fish, and thus the Venetian passion for fish began. baccarat (The creamy fish spread found in every osteria).