The story behind the Antique Cassini Globe
A Brief History of Globes
Globes generally fall into two main categories: terrestrial and celestial. Terrestrial globes depict the Earth’s geography, while celestial globes chart the stars and constellations as seen from Earth, placing our planet at the imagined centre of the cosmos.
The art of globe-making flourished during the European Renaissance, driven by advances such as printing. The oldest surviving globe, the Erdapfel (“Earth Apple”), was created around 1492 by German geographer Martin Behaim. Notably, it does not include the Americas, as it predates Columbus’s return from the New World.
Modern globe design owes much to Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator, whose projection system revolutionised navigation by allowing sailors to plot straight-line courses across oceans.
Materials Used in Globe-Making
Early globes were crafted from a variety of materials. Behaim’s Erdapfel, for example, was constructed from laminated linen, reinforced with wood, and covered with parchment. Other early globes were made from glass, marble, metal, or wood.
Today’s globes are typically hollow and made from lightweight materials such as plastics or composites, allowing for smooth and balanced rotation.
The Cassini Antique Terrestrial Globe
In 1790, Italian engraver and mapmaker Giovanni Maria Cassini created a terrestrial globe incorporating the latest discoveries of his time, including the voyages of Captain James Cook.
His globe captured a world still being explored, offering a snapshot of geography during a transformative era in global discovery.
Design and Geographic Features
Cassini’s globe is rich in historical detail. It traces Captain Cook’s voyages with coloured lines and includes newly discovered regions such as Hawaii (then labelled “Owyhee”).
New Zealand is carefully mapped, while Antarctica is absent—its full discovery came decades later. The globe also reflects early representations of the United States and includes an ecliptic line showing the sun’s path.
Much of Cassini’s data was sourced from leading European cartographers and scientific institutions of the time.
Publication of Cassini’s Globe
Cassini’s globe was published in 1792 as part of his atlas Nuovo Atlante Geografico Universale. The atlas included printed segments designed to assemble both terrestrial and celestial globes.
Each globe measured approximately 34 cm in diameter and came with detailed instructions for assembly—reflecting the craftsmanship and complexity of globe-making in the 18th century.
Giovanni Maria Cassini: The Man Behind the Globe
Born in Rome in 1745, Cassini was one of the last great Italian globe-makers. Over his career, he produced more than 780 works, including maps, engravings, and architectural illustrations.
Influenced by leading artists and explorers, his globes reflect both scientific progress and the political landscape of his time. Today, his works are preserved in museums around the world.
Are Antique Globes Valuable Collectables?
Antique globes are highly sought after by collectors. Their value depends on factors such as age, condition, craftsmanship, and historical significance.
Globes that depict outdated borders or lost nations are especially prized, as they provide a unique glimpse into the past.
To determine value, research the globe’s origin and consult specialists or collectors for expert appraisal.
The MOVA Antique Terrestrial Globe
With the MOVA Antique Terrestrial Globe, you can bring this rich history into your own space. Available in both white and green designs, these globes faithfully replicate Cassini’s 1790 map.
Combining historical artistry with modern innovation, MOVA globes rotate silently using ambient light—making them both educational and visually captivating.
