Mappy Monday – Map monsters

If you are stuck for a Halloween costume how about dressing up as a sea monster from a medieval map?

Look closely at the oceans on many antique maps and you can see anything from hybrid mermaids to sea dragons and other obscure and grotesque beasts. Check out #MapMonsterMonday for lots of great examples.

There are lots of theories as to why sea monsters appear on so many maps from medieval and renaissance times. In his book Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps, Chet Van Duzer looks at the significance and symbolism concerning many maps.

“I would suggest that sea monsters on maps have two main roles. First, they may serve as graphic records of literature about sea monsters, indications of possible dangers to sailors- and datapoints in the geography of the marvellous. Second, they may function as decorative elements which enliven the image of the world, suggesting in a general way that the sea can be dangerous, but more emphatically indicating and drawing attention to the vitality of the oceans and the variety of creatures in the world, and to the cartographer’s artistic talents.” (Van Duzer 2013: Pg 11)

 

If you want to find out more about sea monsters on maps and get some costume inspiration have a read of Sea Monsters on Medieval and Renaissance Maps by Chet Van Duzer £14.99

 

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