The Indian Ocean, from an atlas

Bring the timeless beauty of Abu Muhammad Al-Idrisi or Edrisi's The Indian Ocean, from an atlas into your home with a handmade oil painting reproduction. Carefully recreated on canvas by skilled artists using traditional techniques, this piece captures the delicate brushwork, subtle light, and vibrant color of the original masterpiece. With museum-level quality and rich texture, it brings elegance and artistic depth to any space. Enjoy free shipping and make this masterpiece a part of your personal collection.

The Indian Ocean, depicted in the 12th-century atlas by the celebrated Arab geographer Abu Muhammad Al-Idrisi (also known as Edrisi), is a mesmerizing fusion of scientific precision and medieval artistry. Commissioned by King Roger II of Sicily, this work transcends mere cartography, presenting the ocean as a swirling expanse of deep blues and gold accents, framed by intricate Islamic geometric patterns and calligraphic inscriptions typical of the Arabic illuminated manuscript tradition. Al-Idrisi’s atlas, known as Tabula Rogeriana, was groundbreaking for its synthesis of Greek, Arab, and Persian geographical knowledge, rendered with a stylistic elegance that blends realism with symbolic representation. The Indian Ocean sheet particularly captivates with its rhythmic wave motifs and fantastical sea creatures—an artistic convention reflecting both classical Ptolemaic influences and the era’s limited exploratory reach. Today, this masterpiece is revered as a pinnacle of medieval Islamic cartography, bridging art and science while offering a window into pre-modern worldviews. Its delicate balance of empirical ambition and decorative splendor makes it a cornerstone in studies of intercultural exchange during the Mediterranean’s golden age.

For a contemporary space, a high-quality reproduction of The Indian Ocean would command attention as a statement piece in a study, library, or executive office. Opt for a gilded wooden frame to echo its medieval opulence, and position it against deep navy or charcoal walls to amplify the pigments’ luminosity. In minimalist interiors, let the map stand alone as a focal point above a walnut desk or leather sofa; for maximalist settings, pair it with Moorish-patterned textiles or brass lanterns to reinforce its Islamic aesthetic. Choose a medium-large size (around 24x36 inches) to balance detail visibility without overwhelming the room. The azure and ochre tones naturally harmonize with terracotta pots, indigo ceramics, or saffron-hued cushions—ideal for creating a warm, worldly ambiance. For lighting, warm directional spotlights will enhance its textured gold accents, while a matte anti-glare glass ensures legibility. This artwork transforms any space into a crossroads of history and wanderlust, perfect for inspiring curiosity and sophistication.

When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.

We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.