Fantasy Style Post-WW2 German World Map by Wommelsdorff, 1950

Step into the vibrant world of post-war cartography with Otto Wommelsdorff’s “Diese Weltkarte zeigt die Arbeit des Menschen und die Schätze und Wirtschaftsgüter der Erde,” a masterful pictorial map from circa 1950. Created in the wake of World War II, this map is a testament to the era’s renewed focus on global economic recovery and interconnectedness. Wommelsdorff’s vision is brought to life through intricate illustrations that celebrate the “work of man” and the bountiful “treasures and economic goods of the earth,” offering a captivating window into the hopes and priorities of a world rebuilding itself.

This map is not merely a geographic representation; it is a visual chronicle of mid-20th-century industry, trade, and culture. Every continent is adorned with detailed depictions of economic activities, from the bustling railways and shipping lanes that connected nations, to the specific resources—grain, rice, wool, cotton, and minerals—that fueled the world’s recovery. The careful labeling of cities and commodities provides a nuanced understanding of global supply chains and economic hotspots during a pivotal moment in history.

What truly sets this map apart is its celebration of cultural diversity and human endeavor. Scenes of indigenous communities traversing the Arctic with sled dogs, caravans crossing the North African deserts, and cowboys riding across the Texas plains are rendered with both artistry and respect. These vignettes highlight the varied ways in which people interacted with their environments and contributed to the global economy, making the map as much an ethnographic document as an economic one.

The map’s design is both sophisticated and inviting, with a restrained yet vibrant color palette that brings mountains, rivers, and lush vegetation to life. The use of the southern oceans to illustrate additional resources is a clever cartographic choice, maximizing both aesthetic appeal and informational content. Only Russia and Norway are singled out as individual countries, a subtle nod to their unique economic roles in the early 1950s, while other regions are depicted in broader strokes, emphasizing global rather than national perspectives.

Historically, this map stands as a rare artifact of its time—one that bridges the devastation of war with the optimism of reconstruction. It addresses the urgent questions of its era: the sufficiency of food supplies, the future of essential materials, and the interconnected fate of nations. Few copies of this remarkable map have survived, making it a coveted piece for collectors and historians alike. It offers not only a snapshot of mid-century economic geography but also a lasting tribute to human resilience and ingenuity.

Places on this map

• Russia
• Norway
• Texas (USA)
• North Africa (Sahara Desert region)
• Arctic regions
• Australia
• India
• China
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Canada
• United States
• Mexico
• Egypt
• South Africa
• Japan
• United Kingdom
• Germany (Central Europe)
• Indonesia (Dutch East Indies)
• Middle East (Arabian Peninsula region)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Detailed illustrations of global economic goods and resources (e.g., cotton, grain, rice, wool, minerals)
• Depictions of indigenous lifestyles (e.g., sled dogs in Arctic regions, camel caravans in North Africa, cowboys in Texas)
• Major transportation routes, especially shipping lanes and railway lines
• Clearly illustrated climate zones (mountains, rivers, vegetation)
• Oceans south of the equator used for additional resource illustrations
• Subtle yet clear labeling of major cities and raw materials
• Illustrations of agricultural and industrial activities globally
• Depictions of animals and plants relevant to specific regions
• Visual emphasis on global trade connections and economic interdependence

Historical and design context

• Created by Otto Wommelsdorff circa 1950, in post-war Germany
• Published by Graphische Kunstanstalt Eckert GmbH & Co., Augsburg
• Reflects post-war economic recovery and global economic interests
• Large-format pictorial thematic map with sophisticated and detailed illustrations
• Celebrates global economic activity, resources, and production sites
• Focuses on transportation of the era: predominantly railways and ships
• Only Russia and Norway are specifically labeled as individual countries, highlighting their economic significance
• Rare artifact, with few known copies, mostly in German libraries
• Provides a snapshot of human endeavor and resources in the mid-20th century

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

This map is wider than most maps, which would make it a perfect statement piece above a mantelpiece, sofa or desk.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.