Although Giovanni Cimerlino was a Veronese artist, it has been argued that the map was most likely published in Venice due to the paper and ink used. Cimerlino's imprint appears within a table upper left, with the initials ‘IP’, on the lower right.

Cimerlino’s map is based on the work of Johannes Stabius (1450–1522), a professor of mathematics in Vienna, who invented a series of three cordiform (heart-shaped) projections which were later published by 

 of Nuremberg in 1514. All three were mathematically of equal area unlike the map projections of Claudius Ptolemy: each were developed into several influential maps in subsequent decades. The first Werner-Stabius projection was apparently never used, while the third was first employed by 

 for a world map in 1534–1536, that was subsequently reused here by Cimerlino in 1566.

The Sunderland Collection

This gorgeous map by Giovanni Cimerlino is significant both for its accuracy and its use of the cordiform, or heart-shaped, projection.

The increase in European explorations in the Western Hemisphere and concurrent geographical advancements meant that mapmakers in Europe were looking to be able to illustrate these new 'discoveries' more precisely. The cordiform projection offered a solution for this, allowing cartographers to represent the spherical Earth on a two-dimensional plane, and accommodating an expanding world view. The shape also had symbolic meaning to humanist scholars who likened it to the human heart: the innate source of reason, with the grander theatre of the world.

Rich in geographic details, the map is significant for the accuracy it shows of the eastern seaboard of North and South America. It is framed by a magnificent border of angels and putti, with architectural columns supporting either side.

The map is dedicated to Henry Fitzalan (1512–1580), the godson of Henry VIII of England - his coat of arms on the right. Cimerlino may have met Fitzalan when was travelling to Italy to escape political pressure in England.

Giovanni Paolo Cimerlino (sometimes referred to as 'Cimerlini') was an engraver and designer active in Verona in the second half of the sixteenth century. He is best known for prints of scientific interest, including this world map and a group of paper instruments.

This is the first edition of Giovanni Paolo Cimerlino’s cordiform (or heart-shaped) projection world map, which is significant for the accuracy of the shape eastern seaboard of North and South America.

Cimerlino's Heart-Shaped Map