Bilder Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) – Illustrations of Ancient Soldiers and Ceremonial Vessels from the Cosmographia – Woodcut (c. 1550)

Beskrivning

This page features two separate woodcuts illustrating text concerning the lands and history of India. The upper woodcut depicts a crowded scene of ancient soldiers or figures in a battle or military parade formation, related to historical accounts of the region, potentially Alexander the Great’s campaigns mentioned in the accompanying text. The lower woodcut shows three elaborate ceremonial vessels, including ornate cups and a dish, intended to represent the wealth or customs of the people of India. The print is a typical example of sixteenth century global reporting.

Sebastian Münster was a highly influential German cosmographer, geographer, and Hebraist whose primary achievement was the publication of the Cosmographia, one of the first German-language encyclopedias describing the world. The work was immensely popular, providing readers with detailed woodcut illustrations of maps, city views, customs, and natural history, profoundly shaping European understanding of geography in the mid-sixteenth century.

Artist or Maker: Sebastian Münster

Dimensions: Approximately 36 cm x 23 cm

Medium: Woodcut

Date: c. 1550

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.