Topographical Map of Ancient Rome

Nicolas Beatrizet

1557

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance

About this work

This is a black-and-white map of ancient Rome. You can see hills, roads, and tiny buildings packed together. Some spots are labeled like "Capitol" or "Palatine." Rivers and walls mark the edges of the city. The artist used fine lines to show every street and landmark. This kind of detailed map was rare back then. Look up engraving to see how artists carved these lines into metal.