[Italian gods Saturnius]

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Original antique woodcut, from Sebastian Münster's 'Cosmographia', the great 16th-century description of the world, published in Basel, 1578. Depicting Italy, this map is a fine example of 1570s European cartography. Sheet: 274 by 170mm (10 by 6 inches). An attractive and historically significant 16th-century map for the discerning collector. Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) was a German cosmographer, cartographer, and humanist scholar. His monumental 'Cosmographia' (1544), published in Basel by Heinrich Petri, was the first major geographic description of the world in the German language and among the most widely read books of the 16th century. The 'Cosmographia' went through dozens of editions in multiple languages, each illustrated with woodcut maps, city views, and portraits of rulers. Münster's maps and views were among the first printed representations of many cities, making them primary sources for urban historians. Works from the 'Cosmographia' are prized by collectors for their historical importance and the vigorous quality of their woodcut technique. They are held at the British Library, the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, and the Library of Congress. This woodcut map of Italy, published 1578, exemplifies the cartographic tradition of 1570s Europe. The map is engraved with careful attention to topographic detail, depicting towns, rivers, mountain ranges, and political boundaries with the precision expected of the finest cartographic productions of the period. The hand coloring highlights the geographic features and political divisions of Italy, making this an attractive piece for both the collector and the scholar. A fine example from Cosmographia, Basel, sought after by collectors of antique maps of Italy, antique maps of Italy, and antique woodcuts for sale. In good condition consistent with age. Light age-toning to the sheet, as expected for a 16th-century engraving. Centerfold as published.

Münster, Sebastian – Italy · Woodcut · Cosmographia, Basel · 1578