We recently completed this compass table design in calligraphy. It was based on a Renaissance navigation chart entitled, Tabula Anemographica seu Pyxis Nautica Ventorum Nomina Sex Linguis Repraesentans, ca. 1650.
When our client came to us with this below reproduction print by Dutch cartographer Jan Jansson (1588-1664), we looked forward to pulling out our calligraphy ink hands.
What a pleasure it was to recreate the four cardinal winds and everything in between in six languages, including Greek, Latin, French, and Dutch. As with all projects, it began with sketches and tests to get the right scale, to sample colors, to try out different materials and artistic handling. A little studying of Greek and Latin alphabets, plus handwriting styles helped, too!
The extra challenge was that the table turned out to be an ellipse—not a circle. It was a surprise to further discover that it was an irregular ellipse! But we adjusted our design to suit its shape, and yes, all irregular concentric curves were hand drawn!
Our client was very happy with the final result, right down to its antique glazed finish. Voila! A painted table in homage to Renaissance navigation, marine discoveries, and cosmic orientation!