Antique woodcarving view from the Cosmographia by Sebastian Münster with attractive colouring: A view of the city Leon, France. Printed by Sebastian Henricpetri in Basel, 1598.
CAPTION:
"Abcontrafehtung der schönen und weitberhümpten Statt Leon."
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:
Fine coloured and double-sided woodcarving view of the French city Leon, now Lyon, taken from the Ander book of the Cosmographia of Sebastian Münster, 1598.
The front-page shows the general title of the view and in the inner side there is the beautiful coloured view of Leon. The view is surrounded by a decorative frame and furthermore decorated with a coat of arms. On the back there is a historical description in German.
SIZE:
double side: about h 34,2 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 at the lower side; shows browning and partly has darker spots. The print is still clear and strong, but shows print loss on some points and wear and tear.
