Coronelli, Vincenzo Maria. Del Sito Distanza, Divisione, e Differenti Abitatori della Terra. Venice: ca. 1691. [South Pole]

Vincenzo Maria Coronelli Del Sito Distanza, Divisione, e Differenti Abitatori della Terra [calotte of the south pole] Venice, 1691 26 1/4 x 19 1/8 inches sheet The map *Del Sito Distanza, Divisione, e Differenti Abitatori della Terra*, created in 1691 by Vincenzo Maria Coronelli, is a significant artifact of early modern cartography. It represents the South Pole at a time when European knowledge of the southernmost parts of the world was extremely limited. During this period, the exploration of the polar regions was largely based on speculation and myth, as actual exploration of these areas had not yet been accomplished. This map is emblematic of the Baroque era's blend of science, art, and imagination. It reflects both the curiosity and the limitations of the time, illustrating not only the known geographical features but also the hypothetical ones. The map likely includes speculative landmasses and coastlines, embodying the mysteries that surrounded the southern polar region