Map of the World by Pierre Desceliers (fl.1550) British Library (detail)
The exhibition, Magnificent Maps, at The British Library gives us a view of the world as it was seen throughout the centuries.
More than simply a topological survey of a country or continent, the maps on display are as diverse as their decorative features - from hunting dogs to sea monsters and cherubs blowing the winds across the ocean. The intention of the show is to make the point that maps should be appreciated as artworks in their own right.
Take a closer look at the maps in our archive from collections including the British Library, The Royal Geographical Society and The Archives Chamet.
A subjective view of the world
Before the invention of adequate measuring tools, maps were merely symbolic representations based on religious beliefs and political powers in place at the time of the commissioning. One of the first maps to translate the spherical representation of the world onto a flat surface is this map by Enrico Martello. It is thought to have been used by Christopher Columbus.
Map of the world, from "Insularium Illustratum", by Enrico Martello, being an account of the islands, chiefly of the Mediterranean, with coloured plans, Italian, c.1470 British Library
World Map (vellum), English School, (13th century) / British Library
One of the earliest detailed maps of Great Britain extant, by Matthew Paris, c.1250 (vellum) British Library