Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica ac Hydrographica Tabula c1630
“Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica ac Hydrographica Tabula” is a map created in 1630 by the renowned Dutch cartographer Henricus Hondius II (1597-1651). This masterpiece exemplifies the intricate artistry of 17th-century cartography and is a key example of the golden age of Dutch map-making. The map is a highly detailed, decorative world map, showcasing not just geographical knowledge but also the sophisticated blend of scientific discovery and artistic aesthetics that dominated the period. Hondius, a prominent figure in the world of maps, was known for his expertise in engraving and map publishing, and this piece reflects his talents perfectly.
Table of Contents
Main Subject and Composition
At the heart of this map is the depiction of the world, separated into two hemispheres. The left hemisphere represents the Americas, while the right hemisphere shows Europe, Asia, and Africa. Each continent is meticulously detailed, with recognizable features such as coastlines, rivers, mountain ranges, and other geographical landmarks. Hondius’ map features the classic stylized cartography of the time, combining both geographical accuracy and ornate decoration.
The use of the two hemispheres creates a balanced composition, with an eye-catching central division. Surrounding the map’s cartographic elements are intricate, allegorical figures and symbolic imagery that elevate the map beyond mere geography. Hondius combines the representation of the Earth’s continents with thematic artistry, incorporating historical and mythological motifs that provide a visual narrative of exploration, discovery, and imperial ambition.
Decorative Elements
The map’s margins are adorned with elaborate borders filled with mythological figures, classical representations, and a nod to the burgeoning age of scientific exploration. Two large, circular portraits of famous figures from the classical world – one of a Roman emperor and the other of a skull, possibly referencing the inevitability of death and the limits of human ambition – appear at the top corners. These portraits are framed by colorful, swirling designs and surrounded by more emblematic imagery, such as cherubs, animals, and fantastical creatures, which are used to convey the interconnectedness of human progress with the natural world.
The bottom corners of the map are also embellished with the figures of historical characters: one depicts a regal, seated woman representing the New World, while the other features a group of explorers, perhaps symbolizing the European expansion of power and knowledge across the globe. These figures enhance the map’s theme of global exploration, echoing the imperial ambitions of the time, while also adding a humanistic element that reflects the art of the era.
Materials and Techniques
Henricus Hondius used copperplate engraving to produce this map, a technique that allowed for fine details and durable printing. The map’s colors are rich and vibrant, with hand-coloring applied after the printing process. The coloring not only serves to distinguish geographical regions, but it also adds a layer of visual complexity and allure. The use of bright, yet balanced hues of green, blue, and red creates a visual depth that pulls the viewer’s eye across the map’s surface, inviting them to explore the details of each region.
The materials used in the creation of this work, paper, ink, and copper engraving, demonstrate the precision and technical prowess of the time. The engraved lines and the application of color emphasize the decorative nature of the map while still preserving its primary function as a geographical tool.
Style and Theme
The style of “Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica ac Hydrographica Tabula” is deeply rooted in the Baroque period, where the combination of artistic flourish and intellectual exploration defined the visual culture. The cartographic style is representative of the time, with highly stylized illustrations, exaggerated shapes for landmasses, and a tendency to embellish rather than to focus on strict accuracy.
The map also integrates elements of the Enlightenment spirit, though it predates the full bloom of the movement. The thematic focus of exploration and the desire to understand the world are central to the mood of the piece. The artwork presents a world in flux, one that is still being explored, with many unknowns yet to be discovered. This exploration theme is reinforced by the inclusion of classical imagery, alluding to the timeless quest for knowledge, expansion, and discovery.
Mood and Emotional Impact
The overall mood of the artwork is one of grandeur and optimism, reflective of the 17th century’s fascination with global exploration and the assertion of European power. The map is not just a scientific tool but an artistic expression of a world ripe for discovery. The use of allegory and classical motifs imbues the map with a sense of nobility and the promise of an enlightened future, even as it acknowledges the dark undercurrents of exploration, such as conquest and colonialism.
There is also an element of wonder in the map, an emotional undercurrent that speaks to the awe inspired by the vastness of the world and the curiosity that drives human exploration. The combination of cartographic knowledge with ornate decoration elevates the map into a work of art, capturing both the intellectual and emotional dimensions of the period.
Conclusion
“Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica ac Hydrographica Tabula” by Henricus Hondius II stands as a testament to the art and science of early 17th-century map-making. Through intricate detail, expert craftsmanship, and a rich combination of symbolism and cartographic precision, Hondius creates not just a geographical map, but a work of art that captures the spirit of exploration and the intellectual curiosity of the era. The decorative elements, the allegorical representations, and the overall composition of the piece invite viewers to reflect on the human journey of discovery, while also celebrating the intricate beauty of the world as it was known in the 1600s.
Artwork Backstory
Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica ac Hydrographica Tabula c1630 by Dutch Cartographer Henricus Hondius II (1597 – 1651); as well as an engraver and publisher.
A beautiful classical art world map from the 1600s, when map making was not only technical, but artistic as well mixing in classical themes and events along with what was known of the world back in the 1600s.
This retouched image of the Nova Totius World Map was created by Hendrik Hondius II in 1630, and published the following year in the Atlas Atlantis Maioris Appendix.
It is notable as being the first dated map that was published in an atlas, that made it widely available as well as the second map to show any part of Australia; the first map to do so was the Caert van’t Landt van d’Eendracht (“Chart of the Land of Eendracht”), created by Hessel Gerritsz’ in 1627 which did not gain wide distribution.
The map also shows the Australian coastline as part of the west coast of Cape York Peninsula, which was discovered by Jan Carstensz in 1623; but does not show the west coast features that are shown in the Gerritsz’ map, Caert van’t Landt van d’Eendracht.
This is a remastered digital art old masters reproduction of a public domain image that is available as a canvas print online.
