Tabula Moderna Secunde Porcionis Aphricae introduces Southern Africa to the age of empirical cartography. Drawn by Martin Waldseemüller and issued in 1513 by Johann Schott within the celebrated Strasbourg edition of Ptolemy’s Geographia, this is the first modern printed map of the region. It casts off the rigid confines of classical geography to render the coastline from the equator to the Cape of Good Hope with unprecedented fidelity, and it reaches east to encompass much of Madagascar. The sheet captures a pivotal European moment: the confluence of humanist scholarship and mariners’ reports, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans become a single navigable stage and Africa’s southern arc assumes its decisive role in global exchange.

Waldseemüller’s design is a study in contrasts—scrupulous coastal detail paired with imaginative inland spaces. The contours of bays, promontories, and river mouths bear the imprint of Portuguese sailing intelligence, while the interior, little known to contemporary Europeans, blooms with emblematic fauna—elephants, lions, and other creatures that signal abundance and mystery. Elegant Latin toponyms march along the littoral, set in refined, early sixteenth-century typography. Colorful embellishments enhance the surface, yet never overpower the cartographic message: this is a modern chart, crafted to reconcile observation with tradition, and to present Africa not as a medieval schema but as a living, changing geography.

The map’s intellectual theater is equally compelling. A measured note concedes vast tracts as incognita, a candid admission of limits that heightens the authority of what is shown. The storied Mountains of the Moon appear as the classical wellspring of the Nile, a respectful bow to ancient lore even as new evidence accumulates. Nearby, the Kingdom of Prester John holds its symbolic vigil—a Christian polity imagined in Africa’s interior that for centuries enticed European diplomacy and exploration. Sparse settlements and guarded speculation convey a worldview in flux, where credible coastal intelligence coexists with narratives that shaped curiosity, commerce, and creed.

Maritime purpose animates the composition. The Cape of Good Hope anchors the southern sweep, a hinge between the tempestuous Atlantic and the monsoon-tempered Indian Ocean. Coastal place-names stud the shoreline like navigational beads, tracing the Portuguese corridor of forts, anchorages, and trading posts. Madagascar, sketched with uncommon care for the date, signals the deepening European acquaintance with Indian Ocean routes and the spice trade’s magnetism. The littoral is the map’s true protagonist—its articulation of promontories and channels reflects a portolan-influenced sensibility, prioritizing practical wayfinding while presenting a coherent vision of Africa’s maritime façade to a continental audience.

Behind this achievement stands Waldseemüller, the scholar-cartographer whose 1507 wall map famously christened “America.” Here, his modernizing impulse transforms Africa as surely as it had reimagined the western hemisphere. Issued by Schott’s Strasbourg press, the 1513 Geographia fused the authority of Ptolemy with the vigor of discovery, and this sheet embodies that synthesis with particular clarity. It is at once a document of coastline and commerce, of legend and learned debate—a bridge from medieval cosmography to the cartographic sciences of the Renaissance. In its poised balance of accuracy and wonder, it captures the very threshold where Europe’s maps became modern.

Countries and regions on this map

• Southern Africa
• Cape of Good Hope
• Madagascar
• Atlantic Ocean
• Indian Ocean
• Various coastal settlements (not specifically named)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Coastline Representation: Accurately captures major coastal points along the southern part of Africa.
• Inland Depictions: Includes imaginative illustrations of animals such as elephants and lions.
• Toponyms: Numerous geographical names noted throughout the coastal regions.
• Kingdom of Prester John: A notable symbolic inclusion reflecting European lore about an enduring Christian kingdom.
• Note on the Unknown Interior: A written remark indicating that much of the land remains unexplored or incognita to both ancient and contemporary viewers.
• Source of the Nile: Classical depiction at the Mountains of the Moon.

Historical and design context

• Historical Significance: This is the first modern printed map of Southern Africa, marking a shift away from the traditional Ptolemaic understanding. It is part of the influential 1513 Strasbourg edition of Ptolemy’s Geographia, which introduced modern cartographic techniques.
• Cartographer's Background: Waldseemüller was a prominent cartographer in the 16th century, known for coining the term “America.” His work contributed significantly to the evolution of map-making in Europe.
• Design Style: The map showcases a blend of accuracy and speculation characteristic of the early 16th century, featuring elaborate typography and colorful illustrations that enhance the cartographic presentation.
• Geographical Context:
• The map covers the area from the equator to the Cape of Good Hope, including most of Madagascar.
• It reflects a detailed understanding of the coastline and maritime trade routes established by Portuguese explorers.

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.

With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.