Contrasehtung der furnemen Statt Venedig/sampt den umbligenden Inseln; 1550 Early Bird's Eye View of Venice Italy (Renaissance Era)
Basel: Heinrich Petri, 1550.
Map. Uncolored woodcut. Sheet measures 14" x 16.5".
This beautiful 1550 bird's-eye view of Venice depicts the historic city of Venice within the Venetian Lagoon. Rendered beautifully to contrast the calm shallow lagoon with the turbulent seas beyond the sand banks, the view depicts the sestiere of Venice and includes two text blocks describing the city and its history. The generalized style of many of the buildings allow finer architectural detail in churches, buildings, and city walls to stand out. A few sail boats can be seen in the waters.
This map is from the 1550 edition of Sebastian Munster's "Cosmographia," a text that, when first published in 1544, was the earliest German description of the world. It quickly became one of the most successful books of the 16th century and was published in 24 editions. In good condition with minor wear along the original centerfold. Some foxing and staining at places. Overall age toning. Closed verso repairs along top margin. Original plate mark is visible.
Professor Sebastian Munster (1488-1552) was a German cosmographer, humanist, theologian and scholar. His seminal work "Cosmographia" was published in numerous languages and is considered the most popular book of the 16th century. Furthermore, Munster is also credited with contributing to a revival of geography in Germany. Wonderful black and white example.
Binding: Unbound
Language: German
Price: $1,000.00
Item #273439