Antique Maps of and Around the World

Moreover, serving as the historical and scientific attractions, antique maps are usually classified as works of fine, arty worth. Maps from 16th, 17th, and 18th century were planned and designed not only for instructions but also for attracting procurer.

These maps, generally, mirrored the creative face of the times they were formed and shaped. The late 16th century saw the trend and fashion of enclosing the title of the map or mileage scale in an ornamental pictogram. Chiefly in a cartouche, this is an ornamental frame.

With the passage of time, the technique and style changed and Baroque happened to become more fashionable. it Originated from Italy in the late 16th century, incorporating heavy facets and details, with and bold sweeping curves. But, it was swiftly superceded by Rococo movement in the early 1700s, which flounced Europe.

Paris being Second in the line, the Rococco movement mainly portrayed curves, delicate lines and scroll motifs entwined with flowers and foliage. The word “Rococo” derived from the French ‘rocaille’ and ‘coquille’, suggesting rocks and shells. Both Rococo and Baroque integrated this mode, chic and style of decoration.

With the help of ornamental cartouche in Baroque or Rococco and Strapwork, design in a corner of a map, the engravers used: marine ships and sea serpents probably whales - to illustrate oceans and seas. Animals such as deer, bears, birds, beavers, tigers and elephants dotted the landscapes. While natives clad or undressed dealt with explorers and navigators on the shores.

Angels held up banners, shields, swags and drapes at the pinnacle of maps. These were not at all times oriented towards the north. The armorial logo or motif were much loved by the engravers, using swords, canons, trumpets, pikes, and castles to garnish and beautify maps, specially of, military significance.

These antique maps were as Just like any other striking and decorative primitive art forms; carved on either copper or hand colored in watercolor. These are just as pretty framed for exhibiting as prints and paintings. Such maps are notably more exciting and fascinating, in the way, that they reveal man’s awareness and knowledge of his universe or lack of it as the centuries extended.

Gradually, with the advancement of the chronometer and the discovery of longitude, these maps were able to displayed greater correctness and accurateness.Thus, man’s conception of the universe increased manifold which covered the 5 continents and oceans of the world.

All this lead to buying and selling across the world. in other words, it lead to trade between different parts of the world. Today, this can be seen as the globalization.However, the attractive aspects and imprecision of these early charts are fraction of their attraction for us today.