Opus Magnum of Claudius Ptolemy

Cartographic brilliance: Exploring Ptolemy's Renaissance masterpiece

In the annals of intellectual history, Claudius Ptolemy stands as a beacon of scholarly brilliance. His opus, crafted in the 2nd century, remains a testament to his multifaceted genius, transcending epochs with its enduring significance. Among his seminal works, his treatise on geography emerges as a cornerstone, birthing the world’s first maps and atlases.

Open facsimile book of Claudius Ptolemy's Cosmographia (Biblioteca Histórica de la Universitat de València, BH Ms. 693)

Ptolemy’s pioneering treatise, steeped in mathematical precision, unveiled a cartographic marvel, detailing the coordinates of eight thousand locales across the known world. Initially lost to the sands of time, his magnum opus, Geographia, resurfaced in 15th-century Italy, sparking a Renaissance of geographic understanding. Translated into Latin as Cosmographia, its dissemination across Europe heralded a new era of enlightenment.

A polymath of unparalleled caliber, Claudius Ptolemy’s contributions spanned the realms of astronomy, geography, and philosophy. His meticulous delineation of latitudes remains a cornerstone of modern cartography. While he entrusted the creation of maps to later scholars, his legacy endured through successive generations, culminating in the resplendent Ptolemy Atlas.

Nestled within the hallowed halls of the University of Valencia, this illuminated manuscript stands as a testament to Ptolemy’s enduring influence. Crafted in the vibrant workshops of Naples, its pages are adorned with luminous maps, embellished with gilt frames and celestial motifs. Commissioned by King Alfonso V of Aragon, this opulent manuscript transcends mere documentation, embodying the Renaissance spirit of artistic and intellectual inquiry. Its pages, aglow with the brilliance of centuries past, beckon us to embark on a journey through time and space, guided by the indomitable spirit of Claudius Ptolemy.

The facsimile edition of the Opus Magnum of Claudius Ptolemy is complemented by a bookcase for its conservation and a complementary study book made by subject matter experts.

This facsimile is a unique edition of 325 books numbered and authenticated by notarial deed.

Tech Sheet

DATE:

XV century.

ORIGINAL KEPT:

Biblioteca General e Histórica de la Universidad de Valencia, BH. Ms. 963.

LANGUAGE:

Latin.

FORMAT:

441 × 305 mm.

PAGES:

216 pages.

ILUMINATION:

1 full-page and 26 double-page gold-framed and gold-decorated maps and 145 gold initials

BINDING:

Bound in gold stamped leather with metal clasps.

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Incipit Facsimiles
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