Maps

The Art of Historical Cartography

Antique maps are unusual objects: they were tools that became art. The cartographers who made them — Blaeu, Ortelius, Mercator — were combining scientific observation, political knowledge, and decorative ambition in a single sheet. The results are among the most visually rich prints in our collection.

The decorative elements are the most distinctive feature. Compass roses, sea monsters in unmapped oceans, allegorical figures representing continents, elaborate cartouches in the corners. These were not ornamental afterthoughts — they were status signals, demonstrating the quality of the source information and the skill of the workshop.

The collection covers four distinct categories. World maps and regional cartography — from Blaeu's grand Atlas Major to detailed country maps of the 17th and 18th centuries. Navigational sea charts — coastal detail, depth soundings, port illustrations. Astronomical charts — star maps, celestial globes, planetary diagrams. Natural history charts — botanical and zoological classification diagrams that blur the boundary between science and decoration.

Choosing the Right Format for Maps and Charts

Maps and charts are graphic by nature — fine detail, precise line work, decorative borders that reward close inspection. Fine art paper is the clear choice. The smooth, matte surface preserves every engraved line, text annotation, and decorative element with the clarity the originals demand. Paper prints are available in A3, 50×70cm, 70×100cm, and A0, with oak, black, or walnut brown frames.

The larger formats are where antique maps truly come alive — at 70×100cm or A0, you can read the place names, trace the coastlines, and appreciate the ornamental cartouches at the scale they were designed for. A floor-to-ceiling world map is one of the most effective single-piece solutions for a large room.

For framing: natural oak complements the warm, aged tones of most historical maps. Black frames suit astronomical charts and scientific diagrams where high contrast sharpens the detail. Walnut brown works well with sea charts that have earth-toned colour palettes.

Styling Maps and Charts

Large antique maps work best as statement pieces in studies, libraries, and home offices — rooms where detail and intellectual curiosity feel at home. A single world map or celestial chart can hold a wall on its own without needing surrounding pieces.

For groupings, a set of regional maps from the same atlas creates a cohesive collection. Mixing map types also works: a world map alongside an astronomical chart alongside a sea chart shows the range of cartographic art without visual conflict. Maps pair well with our botanical prints and Ernst Haeckel collection — the shared language of scientific illustration and decorative precision makes them natural neighbours.

For related subjects, explore our astronomy poster collection for celestial charts, or the charts collection for classification diagrams and scientific illustration.

All prints are produced in our Berlin studio using archival pigment inks rated for 100+ years.