World, Baptista (N-9)

Details and context of the original map

Brief description of the map:

This world map, titled “Orbis Terrae Compendiosa Descriptio”, was created in 1596 by Flemish cartographer Joannes Baptista Vrients in Antwerp. The map is rendered in a double hemispheric projection and adorned with allegorical scenes, decorative illustrations, and richly colored depictions of continents and oceans. It stands as a masterpiece of late Renaissance cartography.

Year of original:

1596

Original author:

Joannes Baptista Vrients (1552–1612), a Flemish cartographer and publisher renowned for his ornamental maps.

Place of issue:

Antwerp, Flanders (present-day Belgium).

Technique:

Copperplate with colors added by hand

Content:

World Representation: The map portrays the world in a double hemispheric projection, detailing continents, major cities, trade routes, and natural features, offering a comprehensive view of the geographic knowledge of the time.

Allegorical Illustrations: The map is enriched with allegorical depictions symbolizing the four elements (earth, water, air, and fire), as well as scenes of daily life from various cultures, emphasizing the world’s cultural diversity and richness.

Decorative Frame: A lavishly adorned frame includes smaller depictions of the polar regions and illustrations of exotic animals, enhancing the map’s aesthetic appeal and cultural intrigue.

Fusion of Functionality and Art: This map blends precise geographic documentation with artistic elements, making it both a historically significant document and a decorative artifact.

Historical context:

This map was created during an era of European exploration and discovery, when navigators were charting new territories and connecting distant lands. Vrients’ map reflects the geographical knowledge of the period and Europe’s fascination with exotic lands and cultures. Antwerp, a leading center of cartography and trade at the time, served as the hub for the production of Vrients’ works, which were used both as navigational tools and symbols of prestige.

Importance and value:

Geographic Precision: The map captures the contemporary understanding of the world, showcasing newly discovered regions and trade routes that linked continents, offering valuable insights into 16th-century geography.

Aesthetic Value: The allegorical illustrations, intricate decorative details, and artistic framing elevate the map to the level of a true masterpiece, appealing to historians and art enthusiasts alike.

Collector’s Rarity: As part of Joannes Baptista Vrients’ portfolio, one of the eminent cartographers of his time, this map ranks among the rare and highly prized examples of historical cartography, cherished by collectors and connoisseurs of historical artifacts.