Cosmographia of Munster 1560

Münster's view of Rome offers an accurate representation of the fortified walls and the legendary Seven Hills of the Eternal City, with lively activities along the Tiber River. Many of Rome's most famous monuments are clearly recognizable in this important historical view. At the bottom of the map, a legend indicates about 23 landmarks.

Münster's Cosmographia was the first description of the world written in German and is considered one of the fundamental books of the Renaissance. Composed of six volumes, it contained 471 woodcuts and 26 maps. First published in 1544, the Cosmographia was a huge success and influenced illustrious cartographers such as Mercator and Ortelius. Until 1628, it was published in at least 35 editions, translated into Latin, French, Italian, English, and Czech.

In addition to relying on his own travels, Münster used ancient and modern sources for his work. These include classical authors such as Herodotus, Strabo, and Livy, as well as more recent scholars such as Marcantonio Sabellico, Beatus Rhenanus, and Aegidius Tschudi. Münster also integrated accounts from contemporary travelers, which enriched his descriptions. These descriptions offered detailed overviews of the customs, habits, and organization of peoples around the world, giving Münster a leading role in the history of geography and anthropology.

Unique quality material

Print on handmade Amalfi paper
Sheet size: 40 x 30 cm
With frame: 43 x 33 cm
Material: artwork printed on very high quality handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges
Frame: Light brown, handmade beech wood and wood pulp