Maps and Scrolls - Eye Candy for Your Walls
>> Oct 11, 2012
Hanging maps and scrolls is eye
candy with a difference. Authentic retro reproductions painstakingly copied
from original maps and cartographers drawings they have a classic timeless
appeal. As an interior design statement they have always been popular but
lately, there has been a surge in popularity. Is it because we hanker for less
frenetic times, or is it because true class never goes out of fashion?
Actually for all intents and
purposes Paris in the springtime isn't quite as romantic as we are led to
believe. It can be a cold, dreary place and anyone who has a love of Paris will
know it can be a less than joyful place to visit in early spring. Thankfully,
Paris has some wonderful places to visit on cold, damp days. One of the most
visited monuments in France is the immediately recognisable from the map in the
image.
In the centre of these authentic
models of one of the original maps, the detail of the Ile de la Cite
and the Ile Saint-Louis is exquisite. The former of these two islets is
home to one of the most beautiful examples of French Gothic architecture and
one of the most famous (if not THE most famous) churches in the world. These
fortified islands in the middle of the River Seine meandering gently though the
centre of this vast metropolis rise majestically, and probably little has
changed from when the original map was created.
Take a closer look at the detail on
the map and you will clearly see it is Paris if you know the topography of this
ancient city. Clearly the skill of the topographers and map makers of the era,
this one being a fine copy of an original dated circa 1739 is clear for all to
see and has been faithfully reproduced on these authentic models. The
originals were probably created on the instructions of the city elders of the
time, and are fine examples of the cartographers’ art. They would have been in
production for an almost unbelievable length of time before the final map was
ready for publication.
Continuing the French theme
Fine copies of maps, manuscripts and
scrolls add a certain je ne sais quoi to any style of interior décor and
something you can be proud of. These fine reproductions of maps reflect the skill
of the map makers. This particular iconic piece was originally in production
for five years, and it is easy to see why. The detailing is unbelievably fine
and intricate with every window, chimney and turret in the cente ville clearly
visible. To call this a remarkable piece of work is to wonder at those map
makers from centuries past and admire from a distance their skill, patience and
attention to the finest detail. Such a piece of work nowadays would be
prohibitively expensive to create let alone commission, survey and record
before being put down in print.
These authentic models are
painstakingly recreated to give the owner a beautiful wall hanging and a sense
of the grandeur of ancient times. As homage to the map maker they have little
in the way of competition and will enhance any interior décor style.
Graham Green is a freelance writer
and blogger, and has a love of old books and AuthenticModels of historical maps, manuscripts and scrolls.