ATLASES

Antique Atlases – Historic Cartographic Collections

Antique atlases represent the pinnacle of historical cartography, bringing together multiple maps into a unified vision of the world as it was understood at the time of publication. Produced from the 16th through the 19th centuries, these volumes document the evolution of geographic knowledge, exploration and scientific thought across continents and oceans.

Many of the most important figures in cartographic history are represented through atlases, including Abraham Ortelius, whose Theatrum Orbis Terrarum is widely regarded as the first modern atlas; Gerard Mercator, whose work shaped global navigation and projection; and the Blaeu and Hondius families, celebrated for their richly engraved and finely detailed Dutch Golden Age atlases. Later atlas makers such as Guillaume Delisle, Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon d’Anville, John Speed and Aaron Arrowsmith contributed increasingly accurate and scientifically grounded representations.

Atlases often contain maps of the world, continents, regions and cities, accompanied by decorative cartouches, coats of arms and period typography. Many examples were issued in limited numbers and are now highly sought after for their historical significance, craftsmanship and completeness. Condition, binding, colouring and map composition all play an important role in their collectability.

Original antique atlases offer an exceptional insight into how geography was organised, understood and communicated in earlier centuries. Whether acquired for research, collection building or display, they remain enduring artefacts of intellectual history and the art of cartography.