1588 Das ganze Franckreich, so vorzeiten Narbonensis, Lugdunensis, Belgica, und Celtica genennet worden
By: Sebastian Münster
Date: 1588 (published) Basel
Dimensions: 12.5 x 14.25 inches (31.75 x 36 cm)
This is an original 16th entury map of France described in the title as formerly known as Narbonensis, Lugdunensis, Belgica, and Celtica, by the renowned German cartographer Sebastian Münster. The map first appeared in Münster Cosmographia, first published in 1544 and the again in several edition long after his death in 1552.
The map provides a geographical and historical perspective on the region, blending contemporary Renaissance cartography with references to the ancient Roman divisions of Gaul. It outlines the entire territory of France, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the English Channel to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and neighboring regions such as Germany to the east. Prominent cities, rivers, and mountain ranges are clearly marked, with an emphasis on France’s natural features, such as the Alps and Pyrenees. Sailing ships and sea monsters in the surrounding oceans, embellish the map and a milage scale appears at the bottom.
The verso text, titled Francia, provides a detailed description of France, its administrative divisions, cities, and natural features. Written in German, it explains the historical and geographical significance of the country, referencing its Roman heritage and the classical regional names (Narbonensis, Lugdunensis, Belgica, Celtica). The text also elaborates on France’s cultural, economic, and political importance in Europe during Münster’s time
France in the 16th Century
During the 16th century, France was a prominent European power, engaged in territorial consolidation and expansion under monarchs like Francis I and Henry II. The Renaissance period brought a revival of classical learning and cartography, which Münster’s map exemplifies. The blending of ancient and contemporary geographic knowledge reflects the humanist spirit of the time, as scholars sought to reconcile classical texts with new discoveries and observations.
Biography of Sebastian Münster
Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) was a German cartographer, cosmographer, and scholar, best known for his monumental work Cosmographia, first published in 1544. This encyclopedic text combined maps, geography, and history, making it one of the most influential works of the 16th century. Münster’s maps, included in his Cosmographia, were among the first to integrate classical knowledge with emerging Renaissance cartographic techniques.
A professor of Hebrew and mathematics at the University of Basel, Münster’s scholarly pursuits extended to history, theology, and geography. His work was widely translated and disseminated, reflecting his reputation as one of the foremost geographers of his time. Münster’s maps often featured woodcut illustrations and annotations, blending artistic elegance with practical utility.
Condition: Map is in A condition offering a fine print impression on clean paper with full margins on all sides. Some waviness to the paper is apparent though it does not distract from the overall eye appeal.
Inventory #12842
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