into the past but demands not to be forgotten.
The use of the vintage maps as a décor item allows us to capture a time and place which we may have never experienced directly or one that we wish to cherish as a memory. As the human lifespan extends, the length of our future makes the extent of our history seem all that more important. The vintage map can give us a starting point and a sense of direction contained in a clear and concise piece of art that will allow others to see the patterns of our personal or cultural history.
1716 Homann Map of The World
A double hemisphere map of the world by Johann Baptist Homann. Digitally retouched .
Universal Usage
Most everyone uses maps, and the vast majority of people do so with the single purpose of finding a proper route from where they are to where they want to go. In some cases, they even look to see where others have started and ended journeys. A select few, however, see the map as artistic design, perhaps even viewing it as the high expression of engraving and printing skills. Beginning in the 18th century, and well into the 20th, the wealthy, the powerful (and those aspiring to be) either used the bound, colored atlas as the centerpiece in the private library or sitting room in an attempt to demonstrate both acumen and urbanity. The cleverly displayed atlas was left open to a page denoting a recent travel experience, a troublesome current political event, or even a gloomy catastrophe in an effort to spark conversation.
Dynamic business leaders, determined politicians and high-ranking military officers have always used the imposing globe