Bilder Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) – Map of Egypt – Woodcut (1544–1550)

Beskrivning

This illustration presents a topographical and historical map of Egypt, titled Egyptenlandt, as featured in the sixth book of a monumental universal chronicle. The composition focuses on the Nile Delta and the course of the river, marking significant ancient and medieval sites such as Cairo, Alexandria, Memphis, and the Pyramids. The surrounding geography includes the Red Sea to the east and the Mediterranean coastline to the north, with various towns and geographical features labeled in Latin and German. Below the map, a substantial block of German text in blackletter type describes the history, fertility, and climate of the region, emphasizing the importance of the Nile's seasonal flooding. This work served as a technical reference for readers to understand the geography of the biblical and classical world within the context of a comprehensive history of the earth.

Sebastian Münster was a renowned German cartographer, cosmographer, and Christian Hebraist whose most significant achievement was the publication of the Cosmographia. This work was the earliest German-language description of the world and went through numerous editions and translations, becoming one of the most popular books of the sixteenth century. Münster's synthesis of geographical, historical, and ethnographic information helped establish the foundations of modern cartography and regional geography in Europe. His use of woodcut illustrations and maps provided a visual standard for the depiction of distant lands and cultures during the Age of Discovery. His scholarship at the University of Basel significantly influenced the dissemination of humanistic knowledge across the continent.

Artist or Maker: Sebastian Münster .

Dimensions: Approximately 36 cm x 23 cm .

Medium: Woodcut.

Date: 1544–1550

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.