Antique woodcarving view from the Cosmographia by Sebastian Münster in charming colours: A view of the city of La Rochelle, France. Printed by Sebastian Henricpetri in Basel, 1598.
CAPTION:
'Der mechtigen und besten Statt Roschell wahrhafftige Abcontrafactur.'
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:
Double-sided woodcarving view of the French city La Rochelle taken from the Ander Book of the Cosmographia of Sebastian Münster, 1598.
The front-page shows the general title of the view, the inner side the fine coloured view with a description scale and on the back side there is the finish of the description of Bordeaux in German.
SIZE:
one side: about h 34,2 cm x w 20,8 cm
double side: about h 34,2 cm x w 41,7 cm
CONDITION:
In consideration of its age, the view is in a good condition. The paper is fine, especially the lower side; shows browning and partly has darker stains. The print is still clear and strong, but shows print loss on some points. The lower side shows cracks and is frizzled, furthermore one small hole and one crack (ca. 2cm) in the middle folding. All corners are slightly folded.
D981/A
