1531 World Map Antique Reproduction

Step into history with this stunning reproduction of Oronce Fine’s 1521 world map, an extraordinary heart-shaped (double cordiform) projection.

Crafted by the eminent French cartographer Fine, this map offers a fascinating glimpse into 16th-century geographic knowledge and imagination.

The northern and southern hemispheres are gracefully showcased, with Europe, Asia, and Africa taking center stage in the left cordiform.

The Americas, however, are portrayed with a bit more mystery—split along the edge, the New World appears as a curious peninsula attached to Asia, a depiction that diverges from the more widely accepted Waldseemüller model.

In the right cordiform, Fine introduces the speculative continent of "Terra Australis," inspired by Magellan’s recent passage through the Strait of Magellan. This bold projection, while mathematically grounded, also carries symbolic meaning—its heart-shaped design potentially reflects the Christian symbolism of the time.

Printed on archival-quality paper, this historic map reproduction is a perfect gift for historians, geography enthusiasts, or anyone captivated by the evolving worldview of explorers and scholars. Own a piece of cartographic history that celebrates both artistry and discovery.