This map of Lombardy, published by Francesco Vallardi in Milan in 1850, is an interesting testament to Lombard cartography of the mid-19th century, a period of profound political and social change. The map, engraved by Valerio Stanghi and Giacinto Maina, offers a detailed look at the Lombard territory, highlighting both geographical and administrative aspects.
The right side of the map is dominated by a table listing the political-administrative organization of the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, a territorial entity created in 1815 after the Congress of Vienna and annexed to the Austrian Empire. The table divides the Kingdom into the nine Lombard provinces of Milan, Brescia, Mantua, Cremona, Bergamo, Lodi and Crema, Como, Pavia and that of Valtellina, highlighting the complex administrative structure imposed by Austrian rule. Information is also provided on the administration of justice and the territorial division of ecclesiastical jurisdiction, offering a complete picture of the organization of power in Lombardy-Venetia.
The Vallardi family represents one of the most important dynasties of Milanese publishers, booksellers and printers. Their history began in the 18th century with Francesco Cesare Vallardi (1736-1799), who opened a printing house in Contrada Santa Margherita, becoming one of the main centers of Milanese cultural life. His sons, Pietro (1770-1819) and Giuseppe (1784-1861), continued their father’s activity, founding the company “Fratelli Vallardi” in 1812 and distinguishing themselves for the publication of art books and prints.
Pietro’s sons, Francesco (1809-1895) and Antonio (1813-1876), divided their father’s inheritance, founding two separate branches of the publishing house: the “Casa Editrice dott. Francesco Vallardi” (1840) and the “Antonio Vallardi Editore” (1843). The latter specialized in the publication of popular, school and cartographic works, contributing significantly to the dissemination of geographical knowledge and the valorization of the territory.
