Bilder Sebastian Munster (1488–1552) – Panoramic view of Lisbon – Woodcut (1550)

Beskrivning

Olisiponis oder Lisbonae der fürnemmen und wegen des gewaltigen Kauffmanns Gewerb. This woodcut presents a detailed bird eye panoramic view of the coastal city of Lisbon, Portugal. The composition illustrates the city’s urban density along the Tagus River, featuring prominent cathedrals, palaces, and administrative buildings rising above the shoreline. In the foreground, the busy harbor is filled with numerous sailing vessels of varying sizes, including large caravels with billowing sails and smaller rowing boats transporting figures. Two winged angels hover above the city, supporting a large decorative shield bearing the coat of arms of Portugal. Below the image, two blocks of German text in Fraktur script provide a historical account of the city, citing ancient authors such as Varro and Pliny. This work is a significant topographical plate from the Cosmographia, published in Basel by Heinrich Petri. This publication was the earliest German language description of the world and remained a fundamental geographical reference for decades.

Sebastian Munster was a German cartographer, cosmographer, and Christian Hebraist who served as a professor at the University of Basel. He is best known for his monumental work, the Cosmographia, which combined geographical maps with historical accounts and detailed regional views based on reports from local correspondents. Munster was a central figure in the development of Renaissance cartography, moving away from purely theological maps toward more empirical and observational representations of the world. His work was highly influential due to its use of high quality woodcut illustrations and its broad accessibility in multiple languages, significantly shaping the European understanding of global and regional geography.

Artist or Maker: Sebastian Munster.

Dimensions: Approximately 36 cm x 44 cm.

Medium: Woodcut.

Date: 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.