Old Upside Down Map of Africa by Ramusio, 1554

Discover the allure of exploration with the "Africa Prima Tavola," a captivating map crafted by the esteemed Venetian cartographer Giovanni Battista Ramusio in 1554. This remarkable piece is one of the earliest printed maps of Africa, offering a unique upside-down presentation of the continent. Drawing from the rich accounts of Arab geographers and the daring voyages of Portuguese explorers, Ramusio's map provides a window into the 16th-century understanding of Africa's vast and diverse landscapes.

Ramusio, who served as Secretary to the Council of Ten in Venice for over four decades, was a pivotal figure in the dissemination of geographical knowledge during the Renaissance. His dedication to compiling reports from various sources is evident in this map, which was part of his influential work "Della Navigationi et Viaggi." The map not only reflects the geographical knowledge of the time but also highlights the adventurous spirit of exploration that defined the era.

The map's design is both intriguing and visually striking, with its inverted orientation challenging conventional perspectives. The detailed engravings depict mountain ranges, bodies of water, and a myriad of place names, offering a rich tapestry of the African continent as understood in the mid-16th century. The inclusion of ships and sea creatures in the surrounding oceans adds a touch of whimsy and highlights the maritime exploration that was central to the era's discoveries.

Historically significant, the "Africa Prima Tavola" was created after the original woodcut map was destroyed in 1557, necessitating this exquisite engraved version for subsequent editions of Ramusio's work. It stands as a testament to the enduring quest for knowledge and the desire to chart the unknown, bridging the gap between ancient geographical theories and the burgeoning age of exploration.

The map also carries the influence of Joannes Leo Africanus, whose writings on African geography were published by Ramusio and significantly shaped European perceptions of the continent. This map is not merely a representation of land and sea; it is a narrative of discovery, cultural exchange, and the relentless human curiosity that drives us to explore beyond the horizon.

Countries and regions on this map

• Continents:
• Africa
• Regions/Countries:
• Guinea
• Ethiopia
• Arabia Deserta
• Egypt
• Various regions with historical names, such as "Regno di Nubia," "Barbaria," and others.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of Water:
• Mare Oceano (Ocean)
• Tropico di Cancro (Tropic of Cancer)
• Tropico di Capricornio (Tropic of Capricorn)
• Mountain Ranges:
• Various unnamed mountain ranges depicted.
• Illustrations:
• Ships and sea creatures in the ocean.
• Annotations:
• Historical notes and place names throughout the map.

Historical and design context

• Name of the Map: Africa Prima Tavola
• Date Created: 1554
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Giovanni Battista Ramusio
• Themes and Topics:
• Upside Down Presentation: The map presents Africa upside down, a unique design choice for the period.
• Sources: Based on Arab geographical reports and Portuguese voyages.
• Significance: One of the earliest printed maps of Africa, following the more rudimentary map by Munster in 1540.
• Historical Significance:
• Publication: Appeared in the second edition of Ramusio's "Della Navigationi et Viaggi" in 1554.
• Destruction and Re-engraving: The original woodcut map was destroyed in 1557, necessitating this engraved version for later editions.
• Associated Figures:
• Leo Africanus: His geographical work was published by Ramusio, influencing European knowledge of Africa.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.