The story behind the ANTIQUE TERRESTRIAL 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, spurred on by technological advancements such as printing. The oldest surviving globe, the Erdapfel (“Earth Apple”), was created around 1492 by the German geographer Martin Behaim. Notably, it does not feature the Americas, as Christopher Columbus only returned to Spain with news of the New World in 1493, after Behaim had completed his map. The Erdapfel presents an enlarged Eurasian continent separated by an empty ocean.
Modern terrestrial globes trace much of their development to the Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator, active in the mid-16th century. Mercator's projection, which maintains straight longitudinal lines and parallel latitude lines, revolutionised navigation by allowing sailors to chart courses along straight lines between any two points—a significant advancement for seafaring exploration.
Materials Used in Globe-Making
Antique globes were crafted from a variety of materials. For example, Behaim’s Erdapfel was formed from laminated linen halves, reinforced with wood, and overlaid with a painted map applied to parchment. Even earlier globes were sometimes made from solid materials such as glass, marble, metal, or wood. Celestial globes often required the expertise of silversmiths and metal engravers.
In contrast, modern globes are typically hollow and made from lightweight, durable materials like cardboard, plaster of Paris, plastics, or metals, allowing for smooth, balanced rotation that wasn’t always achievable with earlier models.
The Cassini Antique Terrestrial Globe
In 1790, the skilled Italian engraver and mapmaker Giovanni Maria Cassini produced a new terrestrial globe based on recent geographical discoveries. Uniquely, his globe documented the daring voyages of Captain James Cook, whose expeditions between 1768 and 1779 were still fresh in the public imagination.
Design and Geographic Features
Cassini’s globe features three distinct coloured lines tracing Captain Cook’s routes and marking the dates of his journeys, which ended tragically in Hawaii. While not the first globe to include the Hawaiian Islands—labelled ‘Owyhee’—they remained an exciting addition due to their relatively recent discovery in 1778.
New Zealand also features prominently. During his first voyage, Cook spent months meticulously charting its coastline. Antarctica, however, is absent, as its full discovery occurred roughly thirty years later. While Cook ventured into Antarctic waters during his second voyage, he never sighted the continent itself.
The globe also shows the early United States confined to the east coast, and an ecliptic line encircles the sphere, indicating the sun’s position as the Earth rotates.
Cassini sourced much of his information from other contemporary maps and atlases, including works published by the Académie des Sciences and the renowned French cartographer Robert de Vaugondy.
Publication of Cassini’s Globe
Cassini’s terrestrial globe was published in 1792 as part of his widely acclaimed atlas, Nuovo Atlante Geografico Universale. The atlas, which marked the first of three volumes, included twelve large printed segments designed to form both a terrestrial and celestial globe. Globe-making at the time often involved producing paired globes that offered both geographical and astronomical perspectives. Each completed globe measured 34 cm in diameter and came with detailed assembly instructions. Alongside the globe gores, the atlas contained numerous hand-coloured maps of Europe, Italy, and surrounding regions.
Giovanni Maria Cassini: The Man Behind the Globe
Born in Rome in 1745, Cassini is celebrated as one of the final masters of Italian globe-making in the 18th century. His impressive body of work includes over 780 pieces—from maps and charts to cityscapes and detailed engravings. Highly skilled in all aspects of production, Cassini created his own designs and engravings, learning under influential artists such as Giovanni Battista Piranesi. He earned the nickname “engraver of perspectives and architecture.”
Cassini deeply admired British explorer James Cook and was influenced by several prominent European astronomers. His globes were produced during a period of considerable political upheaval, with shifting borders resulting from the French Revolution and Napoleon's campaigns. Beyond geography, Cassini’s work offers valuable insight into the politics of Rome and the military history of the Papal States. Today, his globes are displayed in museums across the globe.
Are Antique Globes Valuable Collectables?
Many collectors value antique globes highly. Their worth depends on factors such as age, condition, maker, materials, and unique historical content. For instance, a 30-inch globe from the 1930s might command several thousand pounds. Collectors often prize globes that reflect outdated political borders, countries that no longer exist, or historical names, which can make these pieces particularly rare and valuable.
To assess the value of an antique globe, begin by researching its origin and features, then consult specialist appraisers and collectors who can offer expert insights into its potential market value.
The MOVA Antique Terrestrial Globe
With the MOVA Antique Terrestrial Globe, you can bring a slice of this rich history into your home or office. Available in two striking designs—crisp white or elegant seafoam green—MOVA’s globes faithfully replicate Giovanni Maria Cassini’s 1790 map. These self-rotating globes combine historical artistry with modern innovation, making them a stunning and meaningful addition to any space.
