1588 Holland Das Funfte Buch Holandt
By: Sebastian Münster
Date: 1588 (circa) Basel
Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 inches (20.3 x 14 cm)
This fascinating map of Holland in the 16th century is from a German edition of the Cosmographia of Sebastian Münster. The map covers North and South Holland, both provinces of the Netherlands, along with portions of regions in other provinces, including mainland. The northernmost point is the island of Amelandt, a municipality on one of the West Frisian Islands off the north coast of the Netherlands. To the southeast of the island is mainland Friesland, featuring several cities, fortresses, and churches.
Following the islands and strip of land farthest west one finds the familiar cities of Amsterdam, the Hague, Harlem, Delft, etc. Münster took pains to include toponyms for settlements of all sizes. According to archaeological findings, the region has been inhabited for at least 40,000 years. Even in antiquity, the Netherlands benefited from its position on major trade routes, facilitating exchange with other European regions.
The southern region featured on the map was officially part of the Roman Empire for some time, and many architectural edifices are built on Roman ruins. A Roman fort near Leiden is denoted. Based on ancient reports and findings in the area, it is considered likely that regional ports were used for a more northerly offensive, in addition to the southeast invasion, when Rome decided to make Britain part of the Empire. The map reveals the extent to which the entire area had been settled by the mid-16th century, with large castles in many places.
The map is embellished with a seagoing vessel to the west of North Holland. German text above and below the map provides information about the region. The verso has additional text along with a genealogical chart and a coat of arms.
Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) was one of the most influential cartographers and cosmographers of the 16th century. Born in Ingelheim, near Mainz, Münster was originally a scholar of Hebrew and theology before his interest in geography led him to become one of the foremost mapmakers of his era. His most famous work, Cosmographia, was first published in 1544 and became one of the earliest comprehensive descriptions of the world, heavily influencing geographical understanding in Europe.
Sebastian Münster’s maps, known for their accuracy and artistry, were often accompanied by extensive written descriptions, which provided context for his visual representations. His cartographic work covered not only Europe but also extended to include maps of the Americas, Asia, and Africa, making Cosmographia one of the most important works of Renaissance geography. Throughout his career, Münster worked to incorporate both scientific knowledge and aesthetic detail into his maps, and he helped lay the foundation for modern cartography with his dedication to depicting the world as accurately as possible. Though Münster died of the plague in 1552, his work was still published well into the 17th century.
Condition: This map is in A condition. Very minor thinning of paper in some spots visible only when held up to light.
Inventory #12926
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622