Italy - Abruzzo and Lake of Celano (now Fucino); Giovanni Antonio Magini; Benjamin Wright - “ABRVZZO CITRA, ET VLTRA” XVII secolo, 1620 ca. – Incisione su rame, II stato - 1601-1620

The engraving titled “ABRVZZO CITRA, ET VLTRA” from circa 1620, attributed to Giovanni Antonio Magini and Benjamin Wright, represents a detailed copperplate map of the Abruzzo region of Italy, including the Lake of Celano, now known as Fucino. Giovanni Antonio Magini was a prominent Italian astronomer and cartographer in the late Renaissance period, renowned for creating maps grounded in both scientific observation and artistic detail. The map's title refers to the historical division of Abruzzo into 'Citra' (this side of the Apennines) and 'Ultra' (beyond the Apennines), indicating the geographic and administrative distinctions within the region. The area surrounding Lake Fucino, once a vast marshy lake drained in the late 19th century to create fertile farmland, was historically significant for its engineering and agricultural importance. Copper engraving as a technique, used here, allowed for fine lines and intricate detailing, enabling precise representation of physical features, settlements, and territorial boundaries. Such maps were often used not only for navigation but also for administrative, military, or property purposes during the 17th century, reflecting the intricate geography and political divisions of early modern Italy.