Bilder Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) – The Tower of the Lighthouse of Rhodes – Woodcut (1544–1550)

Beskrivning

This woodcut presents a monumental depiction of a massive, multi-tiered defensive tower or lighthouse rising from the sea, as featured in the fifth book of a monumental universal chronicle. The structure is shown populated with numerous soldiers and features a blazing beacon at its summit, with smoke and light radiating into the sky. The vessel at the base of the tower is crowded with armed men and oars, suggesting a scene of maritime warfare or a heavily fortified naval installation. Below the illustration, a block of German text in blackletter type provides a narrative account of historical seafaring, referencing the movements of troops, the discovery of islands, and encounters with various cultures during the age of exploration. This work served as a technical reference for readers to visualize legendary architectural feats and the military-maritime history of the classical and medieval world.

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.