Catalog Archive
Auction 125, Lot 46

"Ptolemeisch General Tafel die Halbe Kugel der Welt Begreiffende", Munster/Petri

Subject: Ancient World

Period: 1598 (published)

Publication: Cosmographia Universalis

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.3 x 12.2 inches
36.3 x 31 cm
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This lovely woodblock Ptolemaic map was redrawn for the later issues of Munster's Cosmographia. The traditional classical world is surrounded by clouds and eleven wind-heads (their names in banners). The continents are oddly shaped and all connected by a great southern continent, Terra incognito secundum Ptolemaeum. There is a very large Toprobana (modern day Sri Lanka) in the landlocked Indian Ocean, and the Indian subcontinent is severely truncated. Only the northern part of Africa is shown with the Nile originating in a series of lakes in a large mountain range. German text and illustrations on verso.

References: Shirley #162.

Condition: A

Nice impression and color. The margins are slightly soiled with a few expertly infilled worm holes.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400

Sold for: $850

Closed on 9/24/2008

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