Beschreibung der herzlichen und weitberhümpten Statt Mirandula.

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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 Ferrara, this map is a fine example of 1570s European cartography. Sheet: 267 by 325mm (10 by 12 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. 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. A fine bird's eye view of the siege of the city of Mirandula with troops ans fortifications, in the background two small views of Mantua and Ferrara, in the foreground in the lower right corner a small view of Modena. A fine example from Cosmographia, Basel, sought after by collectors of antique maps of Italy, antique maps of Ferrara, 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.

Munster, Sebastian – Ferrara · Woodcut · Cosmographia, Basel · 1578