Bilder Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) – Map of Allgäu – Germany – Woodcut (1550)

Beskrivning

"Das Algöw" depicts a regional woodcut map of the Allgäu area in southern Germany, showing the mountainous terrain and numerous river systems including the Iller and the Lech. The map identifies various towns and settlements such as Kempten, Memmingen, and Kaufbeuren, oriented with the Alps at the top of the frame. This work is a woodcut from a German edition of the Cosmographia, published by Heinrich Petri in Basel. The accompanying text describes the fertility of the region, its abundance of fish and livestock, and the historical significance of the local nobility and monastic estates.

Sebastian Münster was a German cartographer, cosmographer, and professor at the University of Basel. He was one of the most influential scholars of the Reformation era, known for his work in geography, mathematics, and Hebrew studies. His Cosmographia was the first systematic, encyclopedic description of the world in the German language and remained a standard reference work for over a century. Münster is celebrated for his ability to synthesize historical narrative with cartographic data, making the study of the world accessible to a broad public through his extensively illustrated publications.

Artist or Maker:
Sebastian Münster.

Dimensions:
Approximately 36 cm x 25 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.