1550 Von dem Konigreich Neapolis
By: Sebastian Münster
Date: 1550 (published) Basel
Dimensions: 8 x 5.75 inches (20.5 x 14.5 cm)
This fascinating early woodcut map of southern Italy is from a German edition of Sebastian Münster’s Cosmographia, one of the most important and influential 16th century European publications. The work, a geographical and historical description of the world, sold well with 24 editions eventually having been published.
The map is a splendid example of Sebastian Munster's mastery. Starting from Terracina, the map depicts the more southern regions of Italy in great detail, its topography easily identifiable, with major cities and ports all denoted.
Mountain ranges, rivers, plains and even volcanoes in the Mediterranean to the west of Italy are delineated. Most of the regions labeled in Italy in the sixteenth century bear the same names yet today. The eastern tip of Sicily is depicted, along with Etna in flames.
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 dark print impression on clean paper. A printer’s crease which runs from the top of the margin through the image and into the text below the map is apparent and original to the map.
Inventory #12924
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