Castiglioni Map

The Castiglioni World Map, created by Portuguese cartographer Diogo Ribeiro in 1525, is a stunning and detailed depiction of the known world during the Age of Exploration. The map was commissioned as a gift for Baldassare Castiglione, an Italian diplomat and prominent figure in the Papal court, marking it as a diplomatic tool as well as a masterpiece of geographical knowledge of the time. 

Diogo Ribeiro was a prominent Portuguese cartographer of the early 16th century, known for his work under the Spanish Crown during a period of intense exploration and territorial expansion. His maps were celebrated for their accuracy and detail, as they incorporated information from Spanish explorers and navigators. However, the Castiglioni World Map is not one of his more famous works and is less studied compared to some of his other maps.

Geographically, the map covers a vast range of territories. It includes Europe, Africa, the Americas, and parts of Asia. The map presents the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, showing the new discoveries in the Western Hemisphere, particularly the outline of the American continents. North America is less detailed compared to South America, where the coastline and major features are more precisely mapped, reflecting the Spanish focus on this region. The Caribbean islands are also prominent, highlighting Spain’s colonial interests.

The map also prominently features the line of division established by the Treaty of Tordesillas, a crucial demarcation that divided the world between Spanish and Portuguese spheres of influence. This line underscores the political and territorial stakes of the Age of Exploration and Spain’s claims over the Americas.

The Castiglioni World Map by Diogo Ribeiro features a highly detailed coastline, especially around South America and the Caribbean, reflecting Spain’s extensive exploration efforts. The coasts of Brazil, the Río de la Plata, and major Caribbean islands like Cuba and Hispaniola are accurately depicted. 

Important port cities such as Lisbon, Seville, and key harbors in the Caribbean and along the Brazilian coast are also highlighted. These cities are marked with small symbols, indicating their significance as hubs of trade and colonial expansion during the Age of Exploration. The coastline and port cities on this map emphasize both the growing geographic knowledge and the importance of maritime navigation.

The map also features navigational elements that enhance its visual and functional appeal. Compass roses are prominently placed, marking cardinal directions and serving as essential tools for maritime navigation. Rhumb lines extend from these roses, guiding sailors along consistent routes across the oceans. In the map’s corners, wind heads—depicted as faces blowing gusts of air—symbolize the important winds that helped propel ships during voyages. The lower left corner features a horary quadrant, a tool used to measure time based on the sun’s position, while the lower right corner includes an astrolabe, highlighting the scientific and practical instruments essential for maritime exploration. These elements not only aid navigation but also add artistic flair, blending functionality with the decorative style typical of Renaissance cartography.

It is widely believed that the map served as a diplomatic gift from Charles V to Baldassarre Castiglione in celebration of his marriage to Isabel of Portugal in 1526. By presenting this map as a gift, Charles V aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties with Castiglione, who was a prominent papal ambassador and influential figure in Renaissance politics. The map’s rich detail and accuracy not only highlight Spain’s growing imperial ambitions but also symbolize the importance of cartography as a tool for asserting power and influence during an era of exploration. The inclusion of navigational details and geographic features further emphasizes its significance as both a work of art and a political statement, reflecting the era's spirit of discovery and ambition.

(Lucia Caputo 2027)

Fernández-Armesto, Felipe. “Maps and Exploration in the Sixteenth and Early Seventeenth Centuries.” in The History of Cartography, vol. 3, part 1,  Cartography in the European Renaissance, ed. David Woodward. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007.

Maria Fernanda Alegria, Suzanne Daveau, João Carlos Garcia, Francesc Relaño.“Portuguese Cartography in the Renaissance.” in The History of Cartography, vol. 3, part 1,  Cartography in the European Renaissance, ed. David Woodward. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007.

Sandman, Alison.“Spanish Nautical Cartography in the Renaissance.” in The History of Cartography, vol. 3, part 1,  Cartography in the European Renaissance, ed. David Woodward. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007.