Antique woodcarving view from the Cosmographia by Sebastian Münster in charming colours: A view of the city of Bern, Switzerland. Printed by Sebastian Henricpetri in Basel, 1598.
CAPTION:
"Bern in der Eydtgnoschafft/ an dem Wasser Aar gelegen/ figuriert nach ihrer Gelegenheit "
WORK:
"Cosmographey: das ist, Beschreibung aller Länder, Herrschafften und fürnemesten Stetten des gantzen Erdbodens,
sampt ihren Gelegenheiten, Eygenschafften, Religion, Gebräuchen, Geschichten und Handtierungen..
Jetzt aber mit allerley Gedechtnuswirdigen Sachen bis ins MDXCVIII. jar gemehret..."
The Cosmographia is the main work of Sebastian Münster and the first scientific, furthermore generally understandable, German description of the world at that time, which also includes the basics of geography, history, astronomy, science and ethnology.
So the 6 volumes start with an overview of the basics of the physician and mathematic-astronomic geography and furthermore describe certain countries and towns, in particular Southern- and Western Europe, Germany, Northern- and Eastern Europe, Asia, the New Isles and Africa.
Each description includes a double-sided view of the town or the country, because of this the Cosmographia is a unique co-work of historians, publishans, artists and engravers of that time and set new standards for the quality of the city books.
ANNALIST:
Sebastian Münster (1488-1552)
PRINT:
Sebastian Henricpetri, Basel, 1598
DESCRIPTION:
Charming coloured and double-sided woodcarving view of the Swiss city Bern taken from the Cosmographia of Sebastian Münster, 1598.
The front-page shows a general title of the view and in the inner side there is the coloured view of Bern with coat of arm of the city. The most important buildings and areas are characterized, decorated is the view with staffage and a text field is integrated with general informations of Bern in German language. A more detailed description with historical background is verso.
SIZE:
double side: about h 32,0 cm x w 40,8 cm
CONDITION:
In consideration of its age, the view is in a good condition. The paper is relatively fine, especially the lower side; the paper shows browning and partly has darker spots. The print is still clear and strong, missing paper in the lower left corner, not in the view, you can see on the pictures. On the left side (not in the view) a very thin passage in the paper with two little perforations
#D981S
