First Map of the Continent of America
Sebastian Münster (1448-1552). Tabula novarum insularum, quas Diversis respectibus Occidentales & Indianas uocant. (Basel, 1554). Latin Edition. Published in Cosmographia. Woodcut with superb hand color, 10 x 13 3/8 in. to neat line. Sheet size: 13 x 16 ½ in. Title block on verso. Strong impression; rough margins l/l and l/r; rebacked along 3 margins (bottom & sides), 1 very small worm hole near top centerfold.
$7,500.00
First Map of the Continent of America
This early edition of Münster’s map of America is the first separately printed map delineating North and South America in true continental form and probably the first map to refer to the ocean that Magellan christened the “Mare Pacificum”. In fact, Münster beautifully illustrates Magellan’s ship, the Victoria, plying the waters off the western coast of South America. The map’s other historically notable features include the first depiction of Japan, denoted as “Zipangri”, which is based entirely on the accounts of Marco Polo and other early explorers. Münster miscalculates Japan’s true location, depicting it near the west coast of America.
The map includes many firsts: an early appearance of the Straits of Magellan, the Yucatan Peninsula is shown as an Island, Lake Temistan empties into the Caribbean, the map depicts cannibals in South America, and names Florida.
In the lower part of South America, the name “Regio gigantum” (land of giants) appears to be a reference to Magellan’s visit to the region. When Magellan encountered Tehuelche Indians in 1520, he became fascinated by their enormous feet. He called them “Patagones,” after Patagon, the dog-headed giant in a Spanish novel. The land soon became known as “Patagonia,” feeding the centuries-old myth that this was a land of giants.
The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, established European strongholds among the newly discovered lands west of Europe between the Spanish and Portuguese Empires. Prominently illustrated in the Atlantic Ocean upon the West Indies is a depiction of the Spanish flag, which indicates Spain’s possessions in the Caribbean. Also, positioned in the South Atlantic stands the Portuguese flag just off the coast of present-day Brazil.
The rare artifact offered here is an outstanding example of Münster’s highly significant early map of the Americas. Illuminating all of North and South America in true continental form, this map would be a pivotal addition to any collection focused on the Western Hemisphere.
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