Orbis Terrae Map

The Orbis Terrae Map tapestry is a reproduction of Orbis Terrae Compendiosa, an early 17th century world map. It was designed by Dutch cartographer Jan Baptist Vrients (1552 - 1612), a successor to Abraham Ortelius (1528 - 1598), the most prominent cartographer during the 16th century, and was based on an earlier map by Petrus Plancius (1552 - 1622). It features the world split into two hemispheres and is framed with elaborate pictorial scenes typical of the style of other maps of the era. (The upper image is not as "sharp" as it should be.)

It is inscribed with "Orbis Terrae Compendiosa Descriptio", meaning "A Brief Representation of the World", and contains an impressive amount of detail matched only by the breadth of its knowledge. Like Plancius' earlier map it is decorated with numerous details including symbolic figures at each corner, landscape vignettes and exotic animals and fauna from the far-off shores it represents.

The original was engraved by Arnoldus and Henricus Florentinus van Langren for use in the first edition of Linschoten's Itinerario, a compendium of maps covering the known world. Its style is heavily influenced by many other maps of the day, in particular the work of Ortelius and Plancius, and reflects the almost constant growing body of knowledge of the time as well as the central importance of the Dutch during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Belgian wall tapestries

Maps as French and Belgian wall tapestries capture the excitement of discovery and adventure from the 16th and 17th century Dutch explorers in a vivid and engaging way.

This map tapestry is a thick but tight weave produces fullness and depth yet having excellent close detail.  It is available richly woven in Belgium in 41% wool, 40% cotton and 19% trevira in three sizes. It is lined and has a tunnel for ease of hanging. We supply instructions for the care and hanging of tapestries with each order. Please note that the largest size is non-returnable.

Below this living room setting we can see a further image showing the largest size of the Orbis Terrae Compendiosa Descriptio map tapestry hanging in a Texas home above an entry into a kitchen. At the bottom is a detail from this fascinating tapestry.