Brief History of Antique Maps

Besides their historical and scientific interest many 16th, 17th. and 18th. century maps can be classified as works of fine, artistic significance. They were designed not only to instruct but also to attract purchasers, and the designs of the maps reflected the artistic expression of the times in which they were created.

Starting in the late 16th century it became the fashion to encase the title of the map or mileage scale in a decorative cartouche. A cartouche is an ornamental frame and the earliest of these were drawn in a Strapwork design, a term applied to carved wooden arabesques & rinceau designs which looked like patterns cut from sheets of leather.

As the years passed, styles changed and Baroque became fashionable; originating in Italy in the late 16th century which incorporated heavy detail and bold sweeping curves. Baroque was superseded in the early 1700’s by the Rococco movement which swept Europe, after evolving in Paris, and was characterized by delicate lines, curves and scroll motifs intertwined with flowers and foliage. The name Rococco is derived from the French ‘rocaille’ and ‘coquille’ (rock and shell) both incorporated in this style of decoration.

Using the ornamental cartouche, in Strapwork, Baroque or Rococco design in one corner of a map, engravers used: sailing ships and sea serpents probably whales - to decorate the oceans and seas. Animals such as bears, deer, beavers, birds, elephants and tigers dotted the landscapes, while natives dressed or undressed traded with navigators and explorers on the shores of far-away lands, in scenic vignettes. Angels held up shields, banners, drapes and swags at the top of maps which were not always oriented to the north; and armorial motifs were favorites of the engravers, using canons, swords, pikes, trumpets and castles to decorate maps of, military significance.

As handsome and decorative early art forms, original antique maps, engraved on copper and hand colored in watercolor are just as attractive framed for display as paintings and prints, and they are significantly more interesting in that they portray man’s knowledge of his universe or lack of it as the centuries unfolded. Later, with the development of the chronometer and discovery of longitude, maps displayed greater accuracy, so that man’s concept of his universe was gradually enlarged to encompass the 5 continents and oceans of his world, leading to world trade and ultimately to globalization as we know it today.

“All I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by..”
John Masefield

Early sea-charts were very decorative but also very inaccurate. The latter features often caused ships to founder on rocks and go aground on shoals. Also the lack of accurate longitude readings prior to the late 18th. century frequently led mariners off course during long voyages.

Nevertheless, the decorative aspects and inaccuracies of these early charts are part of their attraction for us today.

GRACE GALLERIES’ collection features charts by many of the early navigators and explorers, published in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Venice, and Florence. Most of the charts were engraved and published on handmade rag paper, which have survived well over the centuries. Many charts have been hand colored in watercolor making them attractive for framing and display in offices, libraries, and living areas and even on the bulkheads of larger boats.

 20 West Cundy’s Point Road
Harpswell, ME 04079
Phone (207) 729-1329 - Fax (207) 729-0385

Glossary of Map Terms