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A Proposed Identification for Folio 85v,86r,86v: A Map of the Visconti State

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• A Proposed Identification for Folio 85v,86r,86v: A Map of the Visconti State

• A Proposed Identification for Folio 85v,86r,86v: A Map of the Visconti State

  ViscontiMap > 04-08-2025, 06:03 AM

  I'm a new independent researcher. I have developed a working hypothesis regarding the "Nine-Rosette" page (Folio 85v,86r,86v) that I would like to share with you all for feedback and critical review.
  
  My proposal is that Folio 85v,86r,86v is a work of symbolic political cartography depicting the key strategic assets of the Duchy of Milan under the Visconti family, dating to the manuscript's radiocarbon period (c. 1404-1438).
  Rather than focusing on the text, this hypothesis treats the folio as a cultural artifact whose symbolic language is a product of its specific time and place. The power of this model lies not in any single identification, but in the convergence of multiple, interlocking pieces of evidence that point to the Visconti state.
  Here are the core identifications proposed in the paper:

  • Systemic Framework: The connecting pathways are interpreted as the Navigli canal system, the advanced hydro-engineering network that was the foundation of the Duchy's economic and military power.
    
    
  • Strong Correlate (R2): The rosette with a castle displaying swallow-tailed merlons is identified as a major Visconti fortress (like the Castello in Pavia), a clear architectural symbol of their Ghibelline allegiance.
    
    
  • Strong Correlate (R3): The "two-tiered" city is identified as Bergamo, matching its distinct topography of a fortified "Città Alta" and a lower "Città Bassa."
    
    
  • Central Rosette (R1): The largest, central rosette represents the capital, Milan, with the central structure symbolizing the dynasty-defining Duomo, which was a massive construction site at the time.
    
    
  • The "Volcano" (R9): Often called a volcano, this is re-interpreted as Brescia on its hill, with the "eruption" being smoke from its vital arms-manufacturing forges (Lombardy having no volcanoes).
    
    
  • Other Correlates: The paper also proposes historically grounded identifications for Como and Castel Baradello (a paired strategic asset) and the Abbey of Chiaravalle (a nod to the Cistercian's hydraulic expertise).
    
    

  I do not claim this is a definitive "solution." It is a testable framework that provides a single, cohesive context for the folio's many strange features. My hope is that it might serve as a useful anchor for further research.
  The full paper, which details the evidence and historical sources for each point, is available as a read-only PDF here:
  You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
  I am very eager to hear your thoughts, particularly any counter-evidence or alternative interpretations that I may have missed. Thank you for your time and consideration.

• RE: A Proposed Identification for Folio 68r: A Map of the Visconti State

  Ruby Novacna > 04-08-2025, 07:38 AM

  Hello ViscontiMap!
  Is it 68r or 86r?

• RE: A Proposed Identification for Folio 68r: A Map of the Visconti State

  RobGea > 04-08-2025, 05:04 PM

  Hi ViscontiMap,
  Firstly, thank you for providing a summary along with a link to your paper.
  
  With regard to your paper.
  • You use the identifiers R1-R9 without defining them.
  If you do not want to include images in your paper then a simple text diagram showing how your terms map onto the Rosette folio (fRos) would make things clearer.
  Like so 
  R{i} = { R }osette  { i }dentifier  -- ( i have given numbers to where i think you are describing, lowercase letters to others)
  R3 Rb R2
  Rd R1 Re
  Rf Rg R9
  
  • "The Ghibelline Merlons (R2): The upper-left rosette" -> Should be upper-right ?
  
  • "The Two-Tiered City (R3): The upper-right rosette shows a walled city on a hill with a separate settlement below."
     -->Should be upper-left ? This is where diagrams or images really count because i do no see this.
  
  • "Brescia and its Forges (R9): Often identified as a volcano" --> What about the other 'volcano'  on the TopRightRosette
  
  • "Milan and its Duomo (R1): The central, largest rosette is consistent with Milan's role as the capital. The structure at its heart may be a symbolic representation of the Milan Cathedral"
  Additionally you state that 
  "Folio 68r is a conceptual map celebrating the political, military, and technological power of the Duchy of Milan circa 1400-1440."
  
  The Duomo was only half-complete in 1402 and remained so for 78 years until 1480 [1]. 
  If the vms was written circa 1430 then the Duomo had stagnated for decades.
  Why use a half-finished stagnant structure as a symbol of political, military, and technological power ?
  Rather than a show of power had not the construction of the Duomo become a symbol of political indecisiveness ?
  
  
  • "The Navigli Canal System: The interpretation of the connecting "pipes" as the Navigli"
  -->These connecting pipes that link the rosettes in fRos go round the outside, round the outside, and do not connect to the central Rosette.
  The Naviglio Grande was the most important of the navigli, allowing transport of goods and soldiers to and from Milan.[2]
  The Navigli connect Milan to other cities so if you propose that Milan is the central rosette and the pipes are the navigli ,
  why do the pipes not connect to the central rosette ?
  
  • R5, R6, R8  --> Could not be certain which locations on the Rosette folio( fRos ) were meant.
  
  • "Avenues for Future Inquiry" --> explanation  for the other rosettes, 4 and 7.
  
  Refs.
  1. Milan Cathedral -Wikipedia
  2. Naviglio Grande - Wikipedia
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