Orbis Terrae Novissima
Price range: £35.55 through £59.95
Engraved by Jodocus Hondius and published in Paris by Jean Le Clerc in 1602, this double-hemisphere world map is framed by wind charts, a compass rose, lunar and climate diagrams, and an armillary sphere. Its large southern unknown space records the limits of contemporary geographic knowledge. Fine art reproduction, supplied unframed.
A stunning certified FINE ART PRINT on heavy textured art paper — not a poster
- Direct from the publisher — no middlemen
- Printed in-house in Cornwall
- Free UK delivery — international shipping available
- Produced to meet — and often exceed — museum-quality standards
Size
Fine Art Map Reproductions – Museum-Quality Printing
Unlike most online offerings, our maps are produced entirely in-house, not outsourced to print-on-demand or drop-shipping services. This allows complete control over quality while offering better value. Each map begins with a high-resolution original, carefully enhanced and printed to order using archival papers and pigment inks for exceptional clarity, depth, and longevity. Every piece is personally overseen — no map leaves our workshop unless it is of a quality we would be proud to display ourselves.
Authentic Old Map Paper & Accurate Colour Reproduction
Paper choice is essential to the authenticity of our maps. We use specially sourced 190gsm paper made in the UK from pure materials and traditionally pressed with natural woollen felts. This process creates a subtle, randomly textured surface that closely resembles an original antique document. Likewise the use of premium quality ink fully saturates the paper, producing remarkable clarity, depth, and historical character. Colour fastness and sharpness will remain good for in excess of 100 years!
Buy Old Maps Online in the UK Today Trading online since 1999
The Old Map Company of Great Britain offers a vast and carefully curated collection of the very finest expertly reproduced vintage maps. Our range includes works by renowned cartographers such as John Speed and Willem Blaeu, covering Scotland, England, and beyond. Free UK courier delivery is included, with EU, USA, and worldwide shipping available at cost and calculated at checkout. If you need assistance, our team is always happy to help you choose the perfect map.
RECENT REVIEWS
Verified ownerGot there in time and loves it! Cheers David [Gift from US to UK]
Verified ownerThanks Lauren. We received it today - it's gorgeous! Thank you, Ellan
Verified ownerThank you for your prompt service. I have a gallery and framing business in South Wales. I'm so pleased it is printed in the UK
Verified ownerMy Isles of Scilly map arrived safely and I'm delighted with it!
The print arrived safely and we're delighted with it - a lovely reminder of our honeymoon 15 years ago.
Verified ownerI have just received them! I'm sure our clients will be pleased with them and there could be more projects off the back of this one where we can use more. [Interior Designers]
Verified ownerI just received my map of Ireland by Ewart today and, as usual, I am delighted by its quality. The crispness and fineness of detail is excellent and the colour reproduction surpasses my expectations. Please relay my thanks to Steve for another fine effort!
Verified ownerMany thanks, Lauren. Very pleased with the map and the service: would recommend The Old Map Company to anyone interested in Old Maps.
Verified ownerMany thanks, the map arrived safely this morning, and I’m really pleased with it. A stunning reproduction, just as I had hoped. I will keep browsing your website, and may yet be tempted by more of your items! Have a great weekend.
Verified ownerJust arrived, wonderful map! Thanks very much!
Verified ownerThe map – beautiful – arrived safely, very many thanks.
Verified ownerThank you, I have already found the map. It’s wonderfull! Good luck! Rasa
Verified ownerMy apologies for the very late reply. I wanted to reach out to thank you so much for rushing my order. My partner absolutely loved it. I am amazed with the service so that is a five-star from me. I wish you all the best.
Historical Background
Orbis Terrae Novissima Descriptio is a double-hemisphere map of the world engraved by Jodocus Hondius and published in Paris by Jean Le Clerc in 1602. The two circular maps are surrounded by diagrams and explanatory devices, giving the sheet a broader subject than geography alone: it also presents how the world’s winds, climates and celestial relationships could be described.
Map Details
- Subject: World map in two hemispheres
- Engraver: Jodocus Hondius
- Publisher: Jean Le Clerc, Paris
- Date: 1602
- Visible features: Wind charts, lunar and climate diagrams, compass rose and armillary sphere
The map’s two hemispheres are joined by a decorative central panel containing an armillary sphere. Wind charts and a compass rose sit near the upper corners; lunar and climate diagrams appear below. The broad southern area is left largely unknown, making the limits of the map’s geographic information especially visible.
These surrounding diagrams are not incidental decoration: they turn the sheet into a compact account of geographic and astronomical knowledge at the beginning of the seventeenth century. The print preserves its strong contrast, paired hemispheres and finely engraved frame for close viewing.
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