Todorov, T. Анализ и интерпретация на едно малко познато градско изображение на Адрианопол в препис на латинския превод на География от Клавдий Птолемей

The article examines a city view of Adrianople, dating to the second half of the XV century. The image is a part of a manuscript with reference number Latin 4802, actually a Geography by Ptolemy produced by Piero del Massaio and Ugo Comminelli, currently held at the Bibliothèque nationale de France. The goal of the article is to approach the city view of Adrianople from a historical perspective, both analysing it a as monument of its time, as well as a source of information. The text is divided into several subheadings, all dealing with different issues. An overview of the reception of Ptolemy’s Geography in Renaissance Italy is followed by a discussion on the possible reasons why such an image might be included in a manuscript. Last but not least, the content of the image itself is analysed and aspects of it are Finaly, conclusions are drawn as to several key points. Following the work of other scholars, the article concurs that the city view of Adrianople conforms to the established norms of Renaissance art. The image provides very little in terms of actual information about the city in this period, however Massaio seems to have had at least second-hand knowledge of Adrianople at the time, as some city landmarks are clearly depicted, such as the Macedonian tower.

Ptolemy’s Geography, Latin 4802, Piero del Massaio, city view, Adrianople

Digital sources

Vat. lat. 5699 – https://digi.vatlib.it/mss/detail/95469

Vat. urb. lat. 277 – https://digi.vatlib.it/mss/detail/214211

Latin 4802 – https://archivesetmanuscrits.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cc63677b

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