Antique maps and globes are not only objects of immense beauty and wonder, but also valued artifacts of historical significance. Over the course of centuries, cartography has evolved and transformed, with maps and globes serving as key navigational tools, political representations, and cartographic expressions of global discovery.
The earliest known surviving maps date back to ancient Babylonian clay tablets from 2300 BC, while the oldest surviving globe was created in 1492. However, it wasn’t until the Age of Exploration in the 16th and 17th centuries that maps and globes became an important and valuable part of European life. Many grand cartographers of this time used maps and globes to document the lands they discovered in the New World.
Antique maps and globes are not only objects of immense beauty and wonder, but also valued artifacts of historical significance. Over the course of centuries, cartography has evolved and transformed, with maps and globes serving as key navigational tools, political representations, and cartographic expressions of global discovery.
One of the earliest surviving maps from the Age of Exploration is the Waldseemüller map, created in 1507. This map is notable for being the first to use the name “America” to describe the land discovered by Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. Another famous example is the 1599 map by Dutch cartographer Willem Blaeu, which features a strikingly artistic representation of the known world at the time.
Antique globes were also created during this time, with notable examples including the Hunt-Lenox Globe, created in 1503, and the Erdapfel, created in 1492 by German cartographer Martin Behaim. These globes were often used to illustrate the shape and size of the Earth, as well as the known geographical features.
Collectors of antique maps and globes today value them not only for their historical significance, but also for their aesthetic beauty. Many antique maps feature intricate details and artistic flourishes that are not found in modern cartography. Additionally, antique globes offer a unique perspective on the world as it was once known, with their physical representations and interpretations of the world’s geography.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in antique maps and globes among collectors and enthusiasts. At auction, prices for antique maps and globes can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Some of the most rare and coveted maps and globes can fetch even higher prices.
Overall, antique maps and globes offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of cartography and the evolving understanding of the world. Whether for their historical significance or their aesthetic beauty, antique maps and globes continue to be valued and appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts today.