Bilder Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) – Map of Haarlem – Netherlands – Woodcut (1574)

Beskrivning

"Warhafftee contrafehtung der Stact Haerlem" provides a bird's-eye view of the city of Haarlem, depicting its circular medieval fortifications and urban layout during its recent historical period. The woodcut shows the city surrounded by its defensive walls and moat, with a detailed alphabetical key below identifying principal churches, gates, and public buildings. This work is a woodcut from a later German edition of the Cosmographia, published by the heirs of Sebastian Münster in Basel. The text below the map introduces the city of Rotterdam and mentions its association with the famous humanist scholar Erasmus.

Sebastian Münster was a German cartographer and professor at the University of Basel who became the most influential cosmographer of the sixteenth century. He was a distinguished scholar of Hebrew and mathematics whose work bridged the gap between medieval tradition and Renaissance science. His major work, the Cosmographia, was the first systematic description of the world in the German language and underwent numerous expanded editions after his death. Münster is celebrated for his collaborative approach to data collection, which involved corresponding with scholars across Europe to ensure topographical accuracy. His legacy remains centered on the massive popularity and encyclopedic influence of his geographical publications.

Artist or Maker:
Sebastian Münster.

Dimensions:
Approximately 36 cm x 25 cm.

Medium:
Woodcut.

Date:
1574

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.