Ever since we learned that the Earth is round and not, in fact, flat, as many civilisations had thought, we began attempting to plot out the spherical nature of our world and everything it consists of, using what is known as a terrestrial globe. The name ‘terrestrial globe’ comes from the Latin word ‘terra’ meaning Earth, land or territory which is fitting, as globes are simply a miniature version of what we understand to be the planet on which we live.
Many sources point to the Greek philosopher Crates of Mallus as the very first creator of a terrestrial globe at around 150 BC. Though it has been lost to the ages, we look back at the works of the 1st Century BCE writer Strabo who referred to Crates map as having a spherical surface to know that he was definitely onto something. Then, in 1492, around the same time Columbus was sailing around the world, the Erdapfel (translated to ‘Earth Apple’) was brought to life by the German geographer and explorer Martin Behaim, with the artistic abilities of Georg Glockendon to paint on the different known features of the world (minus North America, South America, Australia and Antarctica because they were yet to be discovered).
This beautiful piece has been inspired by globes from days gone by and would make a perfect addition to your library, living room, or indeed your own cabinet of curiosities!
Dimensions: 23 DIA x 37 H cm (Approx)
Weight: 0.95 kg (Approx)
Materials: Brass, recycled and treated mango wood.
