Each hemisphere was printed from a separate copper plate, each with a letterpress in the neatline acknowledging printing privileges from the Papacy and the Venetian Senate (‘Cum Privilegio Summi Pont et Senat. Venet. Michaelis Tramezini Formis M. D. LIIII Julius De Musis Venet In Aes Incidit M. D. LIIII’).

This is the first and only issue of Michael Tramezzino’s double-hemisphere map making it extremely rare. It has been estimated there are less than a dozen known examples. 

This sheet shows the Eastern Hemisphere of Tramezzino’s double hemisphere map. It pairs with a second sheet showing the Western Hemisphere also in the Sunderland Collection. The hemispheres are upon a 'homolographic' (or evenly drawn meridian) projection first described by Roger Bacon in the thirteenth century. The map is beautifully engraved by Guilio de’ Musi of Venice, and although both his and Tramezzino’s names are mentioned on the work, no cartographer is named.

The Eastern hemisphere is centred on Africa. Notable traits include the Moluccas (or the Maluku Islands in Indonesia), which are drawn in detail. A creditable attempt has been made to set out the tributaries of the Indus and the Ganges, as well as to mark the north-west to south-east line of the Himalayas. In Africa, the course of the Niger river is shown separate from that of the Nile. The large number of place names around the African and Indian coasts gives evidence of access to Portuguese sources as well.

Degrees of latitude and longitude also appear, as do compass directions, and little fleurons; the map shows the equator and tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, as well as horizontal and vertical meridians based on Bacon’s projection. The oceans are decorated with beautiful galleons and other regional sailing ships. 

Engraved homolographic double-hemisphere map on two sheets, each printed from two copperplates.

This large map is the masterwork of Michael Tramezzino and forms a pair with a map of the Western Hemisphere also in the Sunderland Collection. Each map was printed from two copper plates to accommodate its scale. They are exquisitely engraved and technically superb.

This Eastern hemisphere map centres on Africa. The stippled oceans contain finely rendered ships, and the land masses are filled with place names and geographical features such as mountains, rivers, and lakes. The map is dedicated to Pope Julius III.

Tramezzino specialised in publishing maps not only from original sources but also reduced versions of maps originating outside Italy. Examples of Tramezzino’s Hemisphere maps are rarely found; his other cartographic works are more common and often preserve copies of now lost wall maps such as those of Jan van Deventer, which depict the provinces of the Low Countries.

The present example is one of a pair of Tramezzino’s Hemisphere maps, among the few surviving examples.

Eastern Hemisphere of Tramezzino's Double Hemisphere Maps