Masterpieces of Renaissance Cartography
Journey through the evolving understanding of the world during the Renaissance. These maps, born from daring voyages and keen observation, offer a window into how explorers and scholars perceived geography, trade routes, and the very shape of our planet.
Cantino Planisphere (c. 1502)
One of the earliest surviving world maps to depict the newly discovered lands of the Americas. Its detailed representation of Portuguese discoveries revolutionized cartography.
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Waldseemüller Map (1507)
Famous for being the first map to label the newly discovered continent as "America," in honor of Amerigo Vespucci. A monumental work in the history of mapmaking.
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Piri Reis Map (1513)
An Ottoman admiral's compilation of various sources, this map is notable for its depiction of the Atlantic coastlines and a controversial section resembling Antarctica.
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Ortelius' Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (1570)
Considered the first modern atlas. This collection of maps standardized cartographic representations and brought together contemporary geographical knowledge.
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Mercator Projection (1569)
Gerardus Mercator's innovative projection method, while distorting areas, became invaluable for navigation, preserving compass bearings as straight lines.
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Agrippa's World Map (Fragment, c. 1st Century AD - Rediscovered)
Though ancient, fragments of Agrippa's detailed world map, created during Augustus' reign, influenced Renaissance mapmakers through rediscovery and study.
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