Juan de la Cruz Cano y Olmedilla (1734 - 1790)

Juan de la Cruz Cano y Olmedilla

Juan de la Cruz Cano y Olmedilla was a Spanish artist, engraver, and cartographer of the Enlightenment.

Using the most accurate cartographic calculations and methods in the 18th century, he created many geographic maps of Africa and South America, the Strait of Magellan, and others. While in the service of King Carlos III of Spain for many years, Olmedilla mapped Spain and Spanish possessions in Latin America.

Olmedilla also created a multi-volume work devoted to Spanish costume. This collection recorded the various outfits worn by Spaniards, both common and noble, covering all regions of the country and all of its colonies. The topographical and architectural details included in the plates provide additional insight into the mores and geographical features of the various cities and towns depicted. The work was first published in Madrid between 1777 and 1788. These engravings proved incredibly popular and were reprinted in both France and Germany.