Andrea Bianco (1450-1525) was one of the most famous and influential Italian cartographers of the 15th century. His maps were known for their accuracy and detail, particularly in the Mediterranean region and surrounding regions.
Bianco was appointed official cartographer to the Republic of Venice in 1488, a position he held for nearly 30 years. During this time, he produced numerous maps and charts of the Mediterranean and surrounding areas. His maps were prized for their accuracy and detail, which were the result of his extensive travels and first-hand observations.
Bianco’s most famous work is the “Atlas Catalan,” which he created in 1489. This atlas consisted of six maps, each depicting a different region of the Mediterranean. The maps were based on the latest information available at the time, and they were highly prized by sailors and merchants who relied on accurate maps for navigation.
In addition to his work as a cartographer, Bianco was also an accomplished sailor and shipbuilder. He was involved in several naval campaigns for the Republic of Venice, and his expertise in shipbuilding helped him to create maps that were especially useful for sailors.
Bianco’s legacy as a cartographer lives on to this day. His maps and charts were instrumental in expanding the knowledge of the Mediterranean and surrounding regions, and they were widely used by sailors and explorers for centuries. Today, his work is highly prized by collectors and historians alike, and it continues to be studied for its accuracy, detail, and historical significance.
Tawny Maps 