World Map (Ptolemy) Johann Schnitzer

 

This map offer’s a view of the world in the European perspective right before the finding of the America’s by Christopher Columbus. It was inspired by Ptolemy’s ancient view of the world which still held true in the 1480’s that is to say it only included Europe, Africa, and Asia. It is very intricate and ornate, suggesting that it was destined for show or the collection of a very rich man, because although the printing press had been invented, this particular map is still very detailed and, for its time, accurate considering that the cartographers at the time didn’t have a precise way of calculating all of the measurements. Some of these details include latitude and longitude lines, what appears to be lines that represent the tropic of cancer, the names of cities, and the names of rivers and bodies of water. There are also depictions of 10 heads blowing, which represent the winds.  In addition, it is written in Latin, a language out of reach for the lower class and uneducated. Another factor that suggests that the map was meant for a collection of some sort is that it is in very good condition and has no real signs of wear and tear besides some of the color that has faded with age. The map for me really shows what maps were used for in this time period, that is to say a work of art. It is akin to a modern day Patek Phillipe watch, while yes it is very detailed and could have probably been used for its original purpose, it ends up being used as a decoration and a show of ones status.