1550 Von dem Königreich Polandt
DESCRIPTION
This woodcut map, titled Von dem Königreich Polandt, was published in the German edition of Cosmographia by Sebastian Münster, issued in Basel during the mid-16th century, circa 1550. It is part of one of the most influential early modern geographic works, widely disseminated across Europe in multiple languages and editions.
The map presents Poland and surrounding regions within the broader framework of Sarmatia, extending from Prussia and Cracow eastward toward Muscovy and south into Podolia and the Carpathian regions. Rivers, towns, and regional names are shown in a simplified but expressive woodcut style, with clustered city symbols and stylized mountains defining the landscape.
The accompanying German text discusses the history and rulers of Poland and Hungary, including accounts of kings, conflicts, and succession. A woodcut portrait medal on the verso depicts Matthias Corvinus, reinforcing the historical narrative tied to the region. Together, the map and text present a combined geographic and historical view of Eastern Europe in the 16th century.
CONDITION
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