Catalog Archive
Auction 131, Lot 48

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

Subject: Ancient World

Period: 1588 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
14.2 x 12.7 inches
36.1 x 32.3 cm
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This 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: B

Light scattered foxing, else very good.

Estimate: $800 - $1,000

Sold for: $600

Closed on 3/17/2010

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