1574 Die Statt Heidelberg
By: Sebastian Münster
Date: 1574 (circa) Basel
Dimensions: 9.75 x 27.75 inches (25 x 70.5 cm)
This large woodblock engraved birds-eye view of the German City of Heidelberg was published in the 1574 edition of Sebastian Münster’s Cosmographia. The view is a fascinating scene from the late 16th century, with many of its landmarks extant today including the largest cathedral, the Church of the Holy Spirit, (Heiliggeistkirche) built between the end of the 14th century and beginning of the 16th, along with the older St. Peter’s Cathedral, mentioned as early as the late 11th century. The two are easily recognizable not far from the banks of the Neckar River, which runs through the city.
The city and its environs boast many medieval buildings, among its most ancient being the remains of a Celtic fortress with its place of worship, along with vestiges of a later Roman presence in the region. The map we offer could be used today for locating many landmark architectural edifices which are still in use. The open areas on hillsides are a valid representation of the flora of the day, as those areas were not wooded. The bridge across the Neckar is in approximate the same place as the original Roman bridge. Various vessels are depicted on the river, and horsemen are seen in the lower portion riding along the riverbank.
Heidelberg is also known for the discovery of some of the most ancient human remains in Europe. Discovered in the nearby village of Mauer, the jawbone has been dated to the early Pleistocene era. Its identification and dating gave rise to the term Heidelberg Man, thought to be the first early human species to live in colder climates.
The verso features the name of the map written in ornate old German, along with descriptive text also in German including illustrations of heraldic symbols and a portrait, possibly of Sebastian Münster himself as a young man. Münster included two large folding maps in his Cosmographia, this one of Heidelberg, and another of the city of Worms. As these were large folding views they were easily torn and damaged and thus are rather rare, particularly those from his earlier editions.
Condition: This map is in B condition with the top right corner margin torn away and a few other minor marginal tears. Overall image is quite nice with the right side slightly more faded than the left.
Inventory #12861
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