Little biographical detail is known of Paolo Giovanni Cimerlini who was active in Venice during the sixteenth century. Indeed of all the printed material known by him this is the only cartographic item. It is beautifully engraved and designed on a heart-shaped projection which is closely derived on that of Oronce Fine in 1534.

The map is dedicated to Henry Titzalan, the Earl of Arundel (1512-80) for reasons unknown to us. A godson of Henry VIII and a known catholic he fell out of favour during the early years of the court of Elizabeth I. It is known that at this time he travelled to Italy. The whole is surrounded by very attractive angels and cherubs. Two proof examples are known lacking the title above. One of the most attractive Lafreri school world maps. Karrow 27/2.3; Meurer 1; Nordenskiold Collection 130.3; Shirley 116; Tooley 19.