1550 – S. Munster – Typus Orbis Universalis
Title: “Typus Orbis Universalis”
Description:
Münster’s map of the World, it is one of the most recognized world maps of the 16th Century. This example is from the second woodblock, which includes the engraver David Kandel’s initials. The map is richly embellished with sea monsters and 12 wind heads. The map is based upon a mix of information derived from Verrazano’s explorations (1522-24) which mistook the Chesapeake for the Indian Ocean and Cartier’s voyages (1534-35) up the St. Lawrence in search of the Northwest Passage. The west coast of America appears on the right side of the map. This is also the 1st map to name the Pacific Ocean (Mare Pacificum). Though unnamed, ‘Terra Australis’ is present but small, only serving to form the Magellan Strait. All of North America is called ‘Terra Florida’.
The map comes from the Latin edition of Sebastian Münster’s Cosmography, titled “Cosmographiae uniuersalis Lib. VI., in quibus, iuxta certioris fidei scriptorum traditionem describuntur, Omnium habitabilis orbis partiu[m] situs … ”, published by Heinrich Petri in Basel, 1550.
Cartographer: Sebastian Munster (1488 – 1552)
Leaf size: 32,8 x 40,5 cm
Year: 1550
Technique: woodcut
Condition:
In good condition for such an early map. Left and right margins extended.
This is an original antique map published in 1550 and NOT a modern copy or reprint
On your request I will provide a Certificate of Authenticity
