This curious and uncommon pictorial map was commissioned to the artist N. Nicouline by ED.A.S. of Rome, the organizing body for the Holy Year of 1950, and was published in Milan in 1949. In it, Nicouline depicts Italy by highlighting its cathedrals, sanctuaries, and the birthplaces of saints, each identified with refined illustrated vignettes. The entire composition is inspired by old maps, combining the classical style of 17th-century cartography with an approach reminiscent of medieval miniatures—an aesthetic well suited to the subject matter. A large cartouche in the top right contains the title, while a compass rose is placed in the bottom left. Particularly striking is the large scene of the “Miraculous Catch of Fish” that occupies a central part of the map, echoing themes of faith and apostolic mission. Nicouline’s map merges the precise lines typical of traditional cartography with a decorative style reminiscent of medieval miniatures. Saints, places of worship, and architectural features are rendered with clear outlines and enhanced by vibrant colors that immediately capture the viewer’s attention.
The Holy Year of 1950, proclaimed by Pope Pius XII, marked a time of great spiritual fervor and international renewal for Italy following the dramatic events of World War II. Millions of pilgrims traveled to Rome and other devotional sites in a climate of renewed hope. Within this context, Nicouline’s map served both an informative and celebratory purpose: on one hand, it functioned as a guide for the faithful, providing details about sanctuaries and the figures of the saints; on the other, through its refined aesthetic and references to ancient cartography, it celebrated Italy’s Catholic tradition and rich cultural heritage.
Vsevolode Nicouline (1890–1962) was a renowned Russian painter, engraver, ceramist, designer, and illustrator, born in Ukraine in 1890. He began his career as a teacher at the Imperial Academy of Saint Petersburg, but his professional life was interrupted by the Bolshevik Revolution. Forced to flee, he embarked on a daring journey that led him to Constantinople, accompanied by Countess Bossalinie Aida, who later became his wife. After a period in Turkey, during which they survived by undertaking humble work, they were finally able to join relatives in Genoa in 1920, where he held his first exhibition. In 1922, Nicouline moved to Nervi, setting up a studio in the first Polish residence and connecting with other Russian exiles. His years in Italy were rich in both literary and artistic collaborations, enabling him to illustrate over 100 children’s books and create numerous stage designs for institutions such as La Scala in Milan and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
