1550 Descrittione della Gothia, o uero della Gotlandia.
By: Sebastian Münster
Date: 1550 (circa) Basel
Dimensions: 3.75 x 5.4 inches (9.5 x 13.7 cm)
This fascinating early map of Scandinavia and northwestern Russia is from an Italian edition of Sebastian Münster’s Cosmographia, and is one of the earliest known maps of the region to be published.
Norway and Sweden are quite accurately depicted with the long Scandinavian mountain range separating the two, and Lapland named near the northernmost point. At Sweden’s southernmost point is a region with the toponym Gothen, modern day Götaland, now comprising ten provinces including Västergötland, Östergötland, Småland, Skåne, and Gotland, to name a few.
Finland is depicted as an island whose territory is to the south of a Russian region, and some cities in Russia which in fact are to the south of Finland are positioned too far north. Specifically, the region of Karelia and the city of Wiborg are misplaced. The Russian city of Novgorod is depicted somewhat closer to its true geographic location. Riga, Latvia is shown on the Baltic coast. A portion of Denmark, and the tip of Scotland are delineated, with Iceland in the northwest corner.
Italian text below the map, and the verso features a full page in Italian describing the kingdoms of the north, along with an ornamental heraldic device containing a crowned lion.
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 offering a fine print impression on clean paper with full margins.
Inventory #12925
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