Map of the World

Deutsche Grafik um 1480, c. 1480

The artwork is a medieval mappa mundi, presented in a vertical orientation. The map is circular, enclosed in a decorative border with scrolls of text. Within the circle, various regions and landmasses are depicted with stylized illustrations of mountains, rivers, and buildings, predominantly in muted tones of green and yellow. The map is oriented with east at the top, where a depiction of a walled city is located. Two smaller circular insets at the bottom contain additional scenes, including architectural elements and pastoral landscapes. The map features Latin inscriptions throughout, adding to its intricate design. The overall composition is detailed and illustrative, providing a historical representation of the world during the period.
Artist
Deutsche Grafik um 1480
Date
c. 1480
Type
Print
Medium
woodcut, hand-colored in green, yellow, and ochre
Dimensions
41.3 × 29.2 cm
Collection
National Gallery of Art, Washington
Licence
Public domain, CC0

Image description

The artwork is a medieval mappa mundi, presented in a vertical orientation. The map is circular, enclosed in a decorative border with scrolls of text. Within the circle, various regions and landmasses are depicted with stylized illustrations of mountains, rivers, and buildings, predominantly in muted tones of green and yellow. The map is oriented with east at the top, where a depiction of a walled city is located. Two smaller circular insets at the bottom contain additional scenes, including architectural elements and pastoral landscapes. The map features Latin inscriptions throughout, adding to its intricate design. The overall composition is detailed and illustrative, providing a historical representation of the world during the period.

Deutsche Grafik um 1480