Bilder Sebastian Munster (1488–1552) – The Fortress of Gyula in Hungary – Woodcut (1544)

Beskrivning

This early woodcut provides a birds-eye perspective of the fortified city of Gyula, located in southeastern Hungary. The illustration details the complex defensive system of the fortress, featuring massive stone walls, multiple bastions, and a central inner castle. The surrounding landscape includes rolling hills and a winding river that serves as a natural moat for the primary fortifications. 

Sebastian Munster was a German cartographer, cosmographer, and Christian Hebraist whose seminal work, Cosmographia, was the earliest German-language description of the world. First published in 1544, the Cosmographia became one of the most successful and popular books of the 16th century, undergoing numerous editions and translations. Munster’s work is celebrated for its integration of geographical data with historical narrative and ethnographic detail, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the known world during the Renaissance. His woodcut illustrations were instrumental in visualizing strategic military positions and distant architectural marvels for a broad European audience.

Artist or Maker: Sebastian Munster

Dimensions: Approximately 36 cm x 42 cm

Medium: Woodcut

Date: 1544

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.