Map of northern Greenland and bordering areas Antique world maps HQ

The work presents a cartographic representation of a polar region, rendered in a style characteristic of medieval mapmaking. The composition is dominated by a vertical format, emphasizing the perceived vastness and remoteness of the depicted territory. A central, elongated landmass occupies much of the visual space, its form distorted by the conventions of projection common to early cartography. This mass is surrounded by expanses of water, labeled Mare Glaciale (Icy Sea) at the top and Mare congelatum (Frozen Sea) at the bottom.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing earth tones – ochre, brown, and beige – for the landmass, contrasted against a deep blue for the surrounding waters. A decorative border of reddish-brown frames the entire composition, adding a sense of formality and containment. The artist employed a technique that suggests an aged or weathered surface, contributing to the impression of antiquity and authenticity.
Text is integrated into the design, appearing in Latin script within rectangular panels positioned on either side of the central landmass. These inscriptions likely contain descriptive details about the region, perhaps relating to its geography, climate, or perceived inhabitants. The text’s placement suggests a didactic purpose – an intention to inform and instruct the viewer.
The depiction of Greenland is clearly marked at the lower right corner, alongside what appears to be a neighboring landmass. The coastline is rendered with a degree of simplification, prioritizing symbolic representation over precise topographical accuracy. A star-like motif punctuates the water areas, possibly indicating locations or points of interest.
Beyond its literal function as a map, the work carries subtexts related to exploration and knowledge. It reflects a period when geographical understanding was still evolving, and regions like Greenland held an aura of mystery and potential discovery. The stylized representation underscores the limitations of contemporary cartographic techniques and the inherent subjectivity involved in representing unfamiliar territories. The overall effect is one of reverence for the unknown, combined with a desire to impose order and meaning upon it through visual depiction and textual annotation.