Tapestries: An Exploration of World Maps
People have always been curious about the world around them and the development of maps has echoed this historical fascination. Maps were once considered to be valuable objects and were treasured by their owners and regarded as works of art in their own right. These objects attracted the attention of artists as well as skilled draughtsmen and maps became quite ornate and decorative items, capturing the imagination of those who wondered what lay beyond the horizon.
Early maps tended to reflect what people knew or remembered and were largely topographical in nature. Often, these early pieces depicted myth and lore, combining to create “living maps” that were passed form generation to generation. Formalising the topography into early maps, knowledge became standardised and sowed the foundation of early cartography.
By the Middle Ages cartography had slowed in that accuracy became replaced by religious depiction through maps. Examples of strong belief can be seen in some maps where the Holy Land is shown to be at the centre of the earth. Another example is Europa Regina by Johannes Bucius which shows an early and elongated map, depicting Europe as the Queen of the World.
The Age of Seafaring during the 16th and 17th centuries saw new interest in map making, particularly the British and the Dutch taking to the seas and exploring new lands. At this time maps became increasingly artistic. An East Indies map in tropical colouring with pineapple trees and other exotic flora and fauna, designed to capture the imagination and evoke the scent of spice in the air is a typical example. As the demand for cartographers grew in the 17th century the artistic nature of maps from a purely functional item to a work of art began to evolve.
Maps were often decorated elaborately with sea creatures or mythical characters. Many of these very accomplished draughtsmen created quite unique works of art from map making. Maps designed by Petrus Plancius (1552-1622) or Abraham Ortelius (1528-1598) were frequently found embellished with intricate pictorial content. A successor to Abraham Ortelius was the Dutch cartographer Jan Baptist Vrients (1552-1612) who designed Obis Terrae Compendosia. The world is split into two hemispheres and surrounded by ornate and detailed pictorial decoration. The map brings a perception of how the world looks and a plethora of exotic creatures and landscapes from the far flung shores of the globe.
Another famous example is Nova Totius Terrarum, designed by Henricus Hondius (1597-1622), a Dutch Cartographer. This 17th century map is an ornate depiction of the world and is surrounded by detailed nautical scenes, perhaps reflecting the age and drama of exploration by sea as mythical creatures rise from the ocean and men are seen contemplating their journey.
Antique maps are increasingly popular in the modern home and make elaborate tapestries in home décor. There are a number of ways in which an antique map can add charm and elegance to the home, whether in poster, print or tapestry format and are much appreciated by connoisseurs of good taste.
Copyright © The Tapestry House, all rights reserved.
About the Author
Angela Dawson-Field writes extensively on art, history and
tapestries & tapestry art
. In her free time she travels Europe sourcing products for
The Tapestry House
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106 Antique Panoramic Maps of Massachusetts MA 2 CD Set $12.74 |
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IRISH CLAN BADGE Coat of Arms overlaid on “Antique Look” Map of Ireland $10.99 |
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45 Antique Historic Panoramic Maps of Ohio OH on CD $8.49 |
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49 Antique Panoramic Maps of California CA on CD $8.49 |
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42 Antique Panoramic Maps of New Jersey NJ on CD $8.49 |
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61 Antique Vintage Panoramic Maps of Wisconsin WI on CD $8.49 |
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25 Antique Panoramic Maps of KS NE ND & SD on CD $8.49 |
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44 Antique Historic Panoramic Maps of Michigan MI on CD $8.49 |
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26 Antique Vintage Panoramic Maps of Maine ME on CD $8.49 |
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39 Antique Vintage Panoramic Maps of Minnesota MN on CD $8.49 |
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Thirstystone Old World Map’ Drink Coaster Collection … |
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8oz Stainless Steel Flask with Antique World Map $6.99 Features polished finish on top and bottom with screw down cap. Measures 3-5/8″ x 5-3/4″ x 1″.Boxed… |
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True Fabrications Treasure Map Wine Box $19.95 True Fabrications Treasure Map Wine BoxThe True Fabrications Treasure Map Wine Box has old world charm. It comes with an aged wood finish, brass accents, luggage straps, and an antique map design. Choose between a one-bottle box or a two-bottle box.Features:Aged wood finish Brass accent Luggage strap Antique map design Choose a one (1) or two (2) bottle box… |
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World Map Paper Wall Mural $70.00 What are wall murals? Wall murals are large, scenic graphics applied to the wall much like wallpaper. Each mural consists of 8 panels, which makes them very easy for anyone to hang. A dry-strippable, cellulose paste is included with each mural, as are easy to follow instructions. Must be installed on a smooth, primered wall. Texture surfaces need to have a wall liner installed first. Wall mural… |
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National Geographic Executive World Map Wall Mural $69.99 Antique look with contemporary details! This award-winning map, elegant in style, has been enlarged to mural size while keeping the same up-to-date detail that defines National Geographic. The Winkel Tripel projection minimizes distortions near the North and South Poles. In addition to the wealth of place names and details on the map, there are also informational insets of the polar regions, world… |
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Antique World Map 8’3h x 13’8w $88.00 Wall Murals are large, scenic graphics applied to the wall much like wallpaper. Each mural consists of 8 panels, which makes them very easy for anyone to hang. A dry-strippable, cellulose paste is included with each mural, as are easy to follow mural installation instructions. Measures: 8 ft. 3 in. high by 13 ft. 8in. wide…. |
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Historic Panoramic Maps of Wisconsin on CD List of 61 Maps Antigo 1886 |
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Anitque United States Panoramic Map Collection (31 CD Set) – 1309 Maps Anitque United States Panoramic Map Collection (31 CD Set) – 1309 Maps…on CD-ROM….This collection of 31 CDs has over 1300 panoramic maps various cities in the United States. It is made up of the 31 individual CDs for specific states.CD-1-AR KY LA TN – 28 Maps.CD-2-California CA – 51 Maps..CD-3-Colorado CO – 26 Maps..CD-4-Connecticut CT – 54 Maps..CD-5-Florida GA & AL – 38 Maps..CD-6-Illinois I… |
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Historic Panoramic Maps of Pennsylvania I on CD 100 Maps on CD Alburtis/Lockridge 1893 |
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8 Old Fashioned Brass Magnifying Glass: Magnifier with Wood Handle $9.95 The magnifying glass measures approximately 8″ long and the diameter of the real glass lens is 3″.A great gift for avid readers.This beautiful magnifying glass is elegantly crafted from fine brass and has a polished wooden handle. It can be helpful when trying to read small print. It also makes a great display piece in your home for your desk, library, bookshelf, or study area…. |
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Maxwell Dickson ‘Antique Map of New York City 1889′ Canvas Wall Art $150.99 Artist: Maxwell Dickson Title: Antique Map of New York City 1889Product type: Gallery-wrapped canvas art |
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Maxwell Dickson ‘Antique Map of Los Angeles 1926′ Canvas Wall Art $150.99 Artist: Maxwell Dickson Title: Antique Map of Los Angeles 1926Product type: Gallery-wrapped canvas art |
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World Antique Wall Map $24.99 This World Antique Map is great for home or office. |
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America Antique Wall Map $14.99 This America Antique wall map makes a nice addition to any home or office. |
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Houston Antique Wall Map $50 This Houston Antique Wall Map is a beautiful reproduction of an antique classic showing a panoramic view of Houston, Texas, 1891 looking south. Perfect for any home or office this antique map makes a great gift. The Paper version is printed on high quality semi-gloss paper, perfect for framing. The Laminated version uses 3mm laminate on both sides for durability, is easy to clean and markable Original Publishing information n.p., 1891Due to expected demand for this map, please allow up to 4 business days to print and laminate prior to shipping. |
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Antique Map of Paris $50 Antique Map of Paris – This beautiful reproduction of an antique classic shows a map of the town of Paris, France with its surroundings, 1805. Drawn by Jon Lantz. Title is in French and German, though place names are in French only. Relief shown by hachures.Perfect for any home or office this antique map makes a great gift.The Paper version is printed on high quality semi-gloss paper, perfect for framing. The Laminated version uses 3mm laminate on both sides for durability, is easy to clean and markableOriginal Publishing information Vienna Artaria, 1805.Due to expected demand for this map, please allow up to 4 business days to print and laminate prior to shipping. |
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