What is interesting about collecting vintage cards?

Early cards were usually drawn by hand on parchment or paper, and then painted. They were genuine artistic treasures, they were often decorated with miniatures depicting the life of distant countries, various types of ships, coats of arms, portraits of rulers, etc. If the cards were intended as a gift, then they were portraits of the recipients of the gift, as well as the donors themselves.

Beginning in the second half of the 15th century, cards were printed from wooden cliches and engraved copper plates. During the transition period (between drawing and printed maps) the period of the map was still decorated with artistic vignettes, portraits, views of cities, images of representatives of different peoples in national clothes, hunting scenes, etc., and water spaces were designated by waves, ships and sea monsters. Mountains and forests were designated realistically, rather than conventional signs.

Famous artists, such as Albrecht Dürer or Hans Holbein, often took part in the production of maps, and they not only made cliches, but also used their art to paint finished prints. Maps are often used and just for decoration.

Finally, vintage cards were collectible. Cards are a great gift and a great decoration for your home or office. One glance at them immediately enchants and transports the viewer many centuries ago to another place.

Possession of an antique card is akin to owning a magic window into the past. It gives you the opportunity to look at the world as a cartographer saw him 100, 200 or even 300 years ago!