You might be wondering what this is and why it is important? Well, simply put, Mappa Mundi is Latin for “map of the world.” Is used in reference to European maps of the world produced during medieval times. Some of them are massive, elaborate, very ornate wall maps, while others are very rudimentary schematic maps […]
So what is the difference between being a pirate or a privateer? Well, if you are Jean Lafitte, the difference is merely in pronunciation. We say potAYto, he says potAHto. Let’s unpack this a bit as we explore the fascinating life of one of history’s most successful pirates. His story will definitely give you something […]
Last week we talked a bit about dragons and maps. We discussed their fantastical depiction, their evolution through time and what they might have been based on. However, there are other reasons for their existence, that unless you knew better, would remain secret. Most people though it was simply due to the fact that people […]
Let’s talk about dragons for a moment. Take a look at any antique map from the 15th or 16th century, then walk forward through time to present day. You can literally see the world take shape, through cartography, as new explorations and discoveries were made. Along with those findings were close encounters of fantastical, never-before-seen […]
So if you snoop around Great River Arts long enough, you are bound to come across a section on our website called “The Vault.” A look at the maps in this section can be a bit puzzling. There are no custom maps. There are no hand painted maps. There is not an antique map reproduction […]
It should come as no surprise that often times there are hidden secrets in great works of art, if you know where to look. For instance, the great artist Caravaggio painted “David with the head of Goliath”, featuring his own head in place of Goliath’s as a way to atone for his past crimes. While […]
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