World Map Tapestries

Since the beginning of time, we have been intrigued by and driven to look beyond our horizons, by a seemingly inbuilt need to discover what resides there. What is believed to be the first ever World Map created, was discovered around the thirteen to fourteen hundreds. In the past, many collectors have savored the incredible detailing and style of ancient World Maps. During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries World Maps were often transformed into wonderfully intricate Tapestries. Today, ancient World Maps continue to be highly favored Tapestries, with many Tapestry collectors being drawn and intrigued by their authenticity. Ptolemy’s World Map was well known throughout Western society, during the second century and was based upon Ptolemy’s ‘Geographia’. A book he had written around fifty years before.

A reproduction of Ptolemy’s World Map was eventually published in 1482. The original Maps have never been discovered. It was his book which contained coordinates, references and other important geographical information, with regards to the various continents of the ‘Old World’, that was used to reproduce the original World Map. With this, Cartographers could accurately reconstruct a World Map. As seen through the eyes of Ptolemy, whose book was written without speculation. The ‘Geographia’ only describes the European, Asian and African continents. Ptolemy carried out his work in Alexandria, and consequently, the most detailed information described is relative to the Mediterranean. Like the original, much Tapestry transcribes to clearly depict the two lines referring to the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Ptolemy was the first person to use longitude and latitude, something which made a significant impact upon future interpretations of World Maps. During the ninth century, ‘Geographia’ was translated from Greek to Arabic, later, it was rediscovered and subsequently translated into Latin for the West.

‘Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica Ac Hydrographica Tabula’ is another of the most famed World Maps ever to be produced. Originally created by the Dutch Cartographer, Henricus Hondius, in 1630. The style of this famous World Map is highly favored for Tapestry reproduction. When Translated, this means ‘A Complete New Map of the Earth and the Oceans’. This World Map features two globes depicting the ancient Eastern and Western worlds. The exquisite details of the original version are embellished and enriched through the art of Tapestry. Paper Maps cannot match the incredible textural qualities which can be achieved by Tapestry World Maps. Many modern Tapestries depict World Maps similarly to the Hondius design, with the Eastern and Western worlds shown side by side. Tapestry World Maps are considered to be impressive works of art, as are ancient, paper, World Maps. Without doubt, World Map Tapestries make a fabulous addition to any room, and there are few who are not impressed by their accuracy and detailing.

The original World Map of Henricus Hondius includes illustrations of Knights on horseback, Explorers, and many other mythical creatures. Many of the World Maps, produced throughout the ages, included similar detailing. Something which many people find adds to their intrigue, as well as their decorativeness. Indeed, many modern Tapestries will also include such illustrations. Composition of the Tapestry is always important to those choosing a World Map Tapestry. If this imaginative imagery appeals to you, there are many World Map Tapestries available which do reflect this antique style. However, many people are more interested in the formation and accuracy of the World Map itself, and less interested in the imagination of the Cartographer. Those people will find, there are also many Tapestries produced which are not embellished in this way. Tapestry World Maps, of this kind, focus on the detailing of the original charts, and are of great appeal to those who enjoy scientific accuracy, more than mythology.

World Maps have been a source of intrigue for centuries, and World Map Tapestries are highly desirable and highly sought after. There are Tapestries depicting individual countries, cities and continents available, from the East and West Indies to Europe. Some are highly decorative, whilst others concentrate upon detailing which is accurate and informative. These Tapestries make a wonderful focal point for any room and are extremely collectable works of art. All Tapestries are valuable commodities which have always stood the test of time, and World Maps always have and will be of great appeal to those who are interested in the world around them. Because of their fabulous detailing, World Maps are also appreciated for their aesthetic qualities, and World Map Tapestries are a fabulous example of what can be achieved when both the arts and science combine.

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