Sebastian Münster (1448-1552). Typus Cosmographicus Universalis. (Basle: 1555). Latin edition. First printed in the 1532 edition of the Novus Orbis Regionum by Johann Huttich and Simon Grynaeus. Woodcut printed on two joined sheets. Strong impression, uncolored. 13 7/8 x 21 5/8 in. to neat line; sheet size: 14 3/4 x 23 in. Small splits and one minor spot of foxing in upper margin. Archivally framed: floated within silk wrapped mat with Optium Plexiglas; handsome moulding with title plate. Very good condition for this decorative and most sought-after map. Overall, a beautiful package.
$42,000.00
One of the Most Sought-After Early World Maps
The map is by Sebastian Munster the most prolific mapmaker of the time, and famous for his influential geographical work, Cosmographia (Basle, 1540). The exquisite border decorations are attributed to Hans Holbein the Younger (1497-1543), one of the greatest artists of the Northern Renaissance.
Holbein depicts the World being turned on its axis by cranks wielded by a pair of putti. Some have theorized that this represents the first published depiction of the Copernican conception of the Earth pinned on its axis as it orbits the Sun (predating the publication of Copernicus’ work in 1543). In each corner of the map, the continents and key elements associated with them during the Age of Discovery are represented: for Asia, the spices pepper, nutmeg and clove; for the Americas, fantastic scenes of cannibals; and for Africa, exotic people and animals. From the artistic point of view this is one of the most interesting of the many world maps published in the sixteenth century.
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