1588 Italia mit Dreien fürnemsten Inseln, Corsica, Sardinia und Sicilia.
By: Sebastian Münster
Date: 1588 (circa) Basel
Dimensions: 12.5 x 14.25 inches (31.8 x 36.2 cm)
This interesting early regional map of Italy is an updated version of Münster’s original 1540 map of the region. It features the full ‘boot’ of Italy along with the islands of Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica and Corfu, and a number of smaller islands near Italy’s western shores. Additionally, the map extends to cover territories in France, Switzerland and the Tyrol, and to the east, Croatia and Albania. A short portion of the coast of northern Africa is also included.
Topography is executed in fine detail throughout the map, with river systems, mountain ranges, cities, towns and fortified positions delineated, with many toponyms in place. An inset in the upper right names the largest cities of Italy such as Rome, Venice, Florence, Genoa, etc.
This edition of the map reveals the strong modernizing influence of Abraham Ortelius, who continued to publish the Cosmographia decades after the death of Münster in 1552. It also reveals a departure from the Fraktur script (used only for the title) initially favoured and used by Münster. It is replaced with the elegant italic script developed by Gerard Mercator which came to be universally accepted throughout Europe for use in maps and other works of an academic and/or scientific nature.
The map is embellished with a ship sailing towards Corsica, and two friendly appearing sea monsters in the Mediterranean. The verso features German text including caption title, and an elaborate ornamental vignette.
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 known 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 B+ condition. Archival material used on verso to repair separation near top centerfold. Slightly uneven toning. Fading of border near lower centerfold.
Inventory #12927
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