South American maps depict areas of South America like Brazil, Panama, and Mexico. These maps provide important geographical information as well as being a category of art in their own right. Although these country images are less decorative in nature than some other examples of map art, South American maps have a delicate grace and aesthetic appeal all their own.
Like many geographic images, maps of South America show the maximum amount of information with the smallest amount of detail possible. These works are often reminiscent of atlas images, as seen in the work, 'Ornamental Map/ United States and Mexico by Humphrey Phelps. However, South American maps also provide valuable historic and demographic information as well.
Map art, despite its apparent simplicity, are ultimately very beautiful images. Works such as 'Nova Totius' and 'Map of the Isthmus of Darien and Panama', for example, are delicately and sensitively rendered. Although the primary focus of these country images are to inform and educate, they are also aesthetically appealing works of art that straddle the line between decoration and information.
Many educational posters employ country images in order to educate students about different countries and cultures. These works can feature historic information, as seen in 'Schieble Mexican War Map' and '1658 Visscher Map of North America and South America'. These educational posters provide insight into multiple areas of study including geography, archeology, and culture studies.
