Bilder Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) – Map of Oldenburg and Heraldic Shield – Woodcut (1544–1550)

Beskrivning

This woodcut presents a topographical view of the fortified city of Oldenburg in Saxony alongside a detailed heraldic shield, as featured in the third book of a monumental universal chronicle. The primary illustration depicts the city, titled Aldenburg, situated within a flat landscape characterized by its defensive walls, numerous church spires, and surrounding windmills. In the upper register, a smaller woodcut features a heraldic shield held by a winged figure, representing the regional authority or local lineage. A substantial block of German text in blackletter type provides a historical and geographical account of the city and the neighboring region of Quendelburg, discussing the lineage of local rulers and the founding of regional religious institutions. This work served as a technical reference for readers to visualize the urban development and political structure of northern German territories 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.