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

Beskrivning

This illustration presents a topographical and historical map of the Saxony region in Germany, titled Von dem Sachsen Landt, as featured in a chapter of a monumental universal chronicle. The composition depicts the territorial expanse of the region, marking major urban centers such as Berlin, Meissen, and Wittenberg alongside river systems like the Elbe and the Oder. The surrounding geography includes neighboring lands such as Poland, Pomerania, and Thuringia, with coastal features of the Baltic Sea including the islands of Rugen and Bornholm. Below the woodcut, a block of German text in blackletter type provides a historical and geographical account of the land, discussing its boundaries and the ancient origins of its people. This work served as a technical reference for readers to understand the regional geography and political history of central and northern Germany during the sixteenth century.

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.