1805 Rizzi Zannoni Proof State Case Map of Sicily - Napoleonic Wars

A spectacular c. 1805 large-scale folding map of Sicily, in a proof state, likely by Rizzi Zannoni. The map was issued thus, in an untitled proof state, in the chaos of the Napoleonic Wars (1803 - 1915), when Sicily became a British base of operations against Napoleonic Naples. It embraces Sicily, as well as Malta and Gozo, the Aeolian Islands, and other smaller islands. The detail and engraving throughout is extraordinary, surpassing any earlier map of Sicily. Something must also be said of the map's pristine original condition and presentation, with original green linen backing and finely tooled slipcase.

Historical Context

This map was unknown until 1983, when records of it were discovered in the archives of Rizzi Zannoni in Naples. The cartography was developed from original surveys compiled between 1795 and 1800 under the orders of the Bourbon King of Naples and Sicily, Ferdinand IV (1751 - 1825). It was intended as the first part of a new 15-sheet Gran Carta d'Italia - surpassing all earlier charts in grandeur and accuracy. The venture partially supported by the crown and partially a private project of Rizzi Zannoni, for which he anticipated considerable profit. As such, when Napoleon conquered Naples in 1799, Rizzi Zannoni appealed to the new French leadership and even the Paris Dépot de la Guerre to present the map. He also advertised for subscribers in Italian and French publications. Likely the unstable political situation led to few subscribers. In addition, the changed geopolitical meant the map would soon be surpassed by new superior surveys conducted by the French and Austrians in northern and peninsular Italy. It was perhaps these new surveys, as well as the significance of Sicily as a base of anti-Napoleonic operations, that likely led to the two southern sheets (J1: Tyrrhenian Sea, and J4: Siciliy, Malta, Gozo) to be published separately sometime between 1803 and 1805. The map, with its superior accuracy, would have remained relevant both to Napoleonic forces intent on retaking Sicily and British-Allied Bourbon forces under Ferdinand IV intent on defending it. As an untitled proof, the map was published in only small numbers for military commanders, without any intention of public dissemination - hence its extreme rarity today.

Publication History and Census

The basic engraving of this map may have occurred as early as 1798, but it was not printed thus until 1801-1805. This is the only surviving example of the untitled proof. In 1818, after the Napoleonic Wars, the formal reestablishment of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, the death of Murat, and Rizzi Zannoni's own death, the map plates resurfaced and were revised and published by the Topografico di Napoli with a new title Carta della Sicilia con l'antica e la moderna divisione in Valli. The 1818 edition is also of the utmost rarity, with only two other examples known, one at the Biblioteca della Fondazione scienza e tecnica in Florence, and another in private hands. Of this 1803-1805 proof, this is the only known example.