Catalog Archive
Auction 138, Lot 18

"Die Erst General Tafel / Die Beschreibung und den Circkel des Gantzen Erdtrichs und Meeres Innhaltende", Munster/Petri

Subject: World

Period: 1588 (circa)

Publication: Cosmographen

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.3 x 12.5 inches
36.3 x 31.8 cm
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This oval woodcut world map appeared in the later editions of Munster's Cosmographia that were published by his son-in-law, Henricus Petri. The map of the "modern" world is based on Ortelius' map of 1570. It is surrounded by a floral and vine leaf pattern and two strapwork cartouches containing German text. The gothic German title is in the upper margin. Interesting cartographic features of the map include a huge southern continent and a Northern Passage (both Northwest and Northeast) to Asia. The map includes several tiny ships and sea monsters. German text and illustration on verso.

References: Shirley #163.

Condition: B+

Professional repairs along centerfold and light show-through of text on verso. Remargined at bottom with a small amount of neatline in facsimile, and a few small chips in top blank margin have also been professionally repaired.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400

Sold for: $800

Closed on 12/7/2011

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