Catalog Archive
Auction 143, Lot 56

Bunting's Clover Leaf Map of the Old World

"Die Gantze Welt in ein Kleeberblat / Welchs ist der Stadt Hannover Meines Lieben Vaterlandes Wapen", Bunting, Heinrich

Subject: Ancient World

Period: 1581 (circa)

Publication: Itinerarium Sacrae Scripturae

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14.3 x 10.7 inches
36.3 x 27.2 cm
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This fanciful map of the Old World was drawn to represent the Trinity. The three continents of Europe, Asia and Africa are arranged in the form of a clover leaf with Jerusalem at the center. Three landmasses lie outside the trefoil: England and part of Scandinavia above, and in the lower left corner a portion of the New World (Die Newe Welt) appears. The woodblock map is beautifully engraved with waves in the oceans that are filled with sea monsters, a sailing ship and mermaids. Heinrich Bunting was a theological commentator from Hanover and devised the curious shape of the map from the arms of his home town. German text on verso.

References: Shirley #142; Manasek #32; Laor p.129; Nebenzahl (HL) pp. 88-89; Tooley (MCC-1) #88.

Condition: B

There are professional repairs along centerfold with a tiny portion of bottom neatline in facsimile, and to a chip in bottom left corner also with a small amount of neatline in facsimile. A tear that enters 3.5" into map at bottom right has also been professionally repaired.

Estimate: $5,500 - $6,500

Sold for: $3,500

Closed on 2/13/2013

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