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Art in the OSF Library: Hereford Mappa Mundi

Guide that showcases the temporary and permanent artwork on display in the O'Shaughnessy-Frey Library on UST's St. Paul campus. The guide was constructed by Cristiana Nita, class of 2011, and Susan Price, Reference Librarian.

Hereford Mappa Mundi

Detail of Noah's Ark

Detail of Jerusalem

What is the Hereford Mappa Mundi?

The largest medieval map known to exist, the Hereford Mappa Mundi records how thirteenth-century scholars interpreted the world in spiritual as well as geographical terms.  The map places Jerusalem as the center of the world; superimposed on the map are drawings of the history of mankind and wonders of the natural world.

 

The original map was created around 1300 A.D. by Richard of Haldingham or Lafford and is on display at the Hereford Cathedral, Hereford, England.  This facsimile, displayed in the O'Shaughnessy Room (LIB 108), was given to the University of St. Thomas Libraries in 2011 by John O'Shaughnessy.