Martino Martini's Jesuit Cartography of the Middle Kingdom: Some Historio-carto Reflections on Then, In-Between and Now (Selected Topics: Part II)

Author:

De Peuter, Stanislas

Format:

Journal Article

Year:

2011

Journal Title:

Brussels International Map Collectors' Circle Newsletter

Volume:

40

Language:

English

Abstract:

The purpose of this article, which began in BIMCC Newsletter No 39, is to enter into the world of Martino Martini (Trento, 20 September 1614 – Hangzhou, 6 June 1661) and to provide a preliminary review of the magnificent maps by this missionary on China, its provinces and Japan. Pure cartographic comments will intermingle with his- torical, political or economic reflections, whereby his wondrous world will sometimes be mirrored in ours. Moreover, against this background some embedding thoughts are given on the Jesuits’ (religious) presence in 17th century China. This second part discusses the various regional maps of China comprising the Novus Atlas Sinensis. Finally, Newsletter No 41 will present the map of Japan and Korea, as well as final comments on the influence of Martino Martini’s work.

Who (Jesuits):

Martini, Martino, 1614–1661

What (Subjects):

Missions -- Geography -- Cartography

Missions -- History -- Regional

Where (Locations):

Asia -- China

When (Centuries):

17th century

Publisher URL:

http://www.bimcc.org/newsletters/40

Page Range:

11–17

ISSN:

1379-3306