Author: Olaus Magnus
Year: 1539
This is a reproduction print of the historical map “Carta Marina et Descriptio Septentrionalium Terrarum”, commonly known as the Carta Marina, created by Olaus Magnus in 1539 in Rome. One of the most celebrated achievements of Renaissance cartography, this extraordinary map presents the geography, culture and mythology of Scandinavia and Northern Europe in the 16th century.
The map depicts Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, alongside neighboring regions and the surrounding northern seas. Detailed geographical inscriptions identify cities, settlements, coastlines, mountains and rivers, providing one of the earliest comprehensive cartographic representations of the Nordic world.
Particularly remarkable are the mythical sea monsters, enormous fish, sailing ships and elaborate illustrations of Nordic life scattered throughout the composition. Scenes of hunting, fishing, agriculture and regional customs transform the map into a fascinating visual encyclopedia of Northern Europe. Decorative compass roses, heraldic symbols and historical place names further enrich its Renaissance character.
The original Carta Marina was printed from nine woodcut blocks, forming an impressive map measuring approximately 170 × 125 cm. Later facsimiles, including a reproduction used by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), introduced colorful interpretations of the original woodcut. Combining geographical knowledge with maritime folklore, the Carta Marina remains one of the most iconic examples of 16th-century European cartography.
