A 1970s colourful decorative world map showing the eastern and western hemispheres, surrounded by sailing ships, sea creatures, animals and figures representing Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. The two smaller circles contain celestial maps.
The Latin title, Nova totius terrarum orbis geographica ac hydrographica tabula, roughly means “A new geographical and hydrographical map of the whole world.”
The design matches Henri Le Roy’s 1636 world map, published in Paris by Michel van Lochom and based on an earlier Hondius map.
The engraved credit “Henri le Roy fecit” means “Henri Le Roy made this.” Library of Congress
An interesting detail is the enormous “Terra Australis Incognita”, meaning “unknown southern land.” It shows how imagined geography filled gaps in European knowledge before later exploration.
Published by Personality Posters (UK) Ltd., 9 Gorst Road, London
Printed by T. J. Press Ltd.
Dimensions: 28.5 in x 41 in (72 cm x 103 cm)
Henri Le Roy was an engraver working in Paris during the early seventeenth century. This map drew on the work of Jodocus Hondius, whose name appears in the title, and combined geographical information with elaborate decorative engraving. The animals and figures make it both a map and a picture of how Europeans imagined the wider world. The Library of Congress holds an original example of the 1636 publication.
Because of the age of these posters, there are areas of wear and tear, particularly on the edges. I have done my best to take photos where they are torn or stained. The good news is that when framed, the tears press up well against glass, and edges can be hidden by mats. Any wear picked up from years are part of the vintage charm.
When framed these colourful and detailed posters, with vibrant colours can become a centre piece for any room, to remind us of a simpler time.
These posters are sent as unframed. They will be delivered in a cardboard tube for protection.
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