Gallucci, Giovanni Paolo

Born Salò, (Lombardy, Italy), 1538

Died Venice, (Italy), circa 1621

Tutor, writer, translator, and cartographer, Giovanni Gallucci studied in Padua and moved to Venice, where he spent the rest of his life. The range of his activity embraces both scientific and humanistic fields.

In his most important work, Theatrum Mundi et Temporis (Theater of the world and time; Venice, 1588), Gallucci presents a general treatment of celestial phenomena, including both astronomical and astrological aspects. He declares the definite intention to clear his discussion of any trace of superstition in order to avoid a conflict with the Catholic Church, which some years before had condemned astrology.

The most noticeable peculiarity of Gallucci's book is given by the 48 maps of Ptolemaic constellations. The maps are represented in trapezoidal projection,