1548 Europa, die erste Tafel diser Chronicken, so im ersten Buch begriffen
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By: Johann Stumpf
Date of Original: 1548
Original Size 12 x 16 inches (30.5 x 40.5 cm)
This is a fine print reproduction of a very rare woodcut map of Europe, crafted in the mid-16th century by Johann Stumpf. The map is a derivative of an earlier map by the renowned cartographer Sebastian Münster, but it stands out as much rarer and more sought after due to its detailed decorations and unique orientation with south at the top.
In the lower left corner, the map depicts Poland and Livonia, while in the lower right, parts of England and Ireland are visible. The upper sections of the map feature Portugal and the tip of Africa to the right, while Sardinia, Sicily, and the Peloponnesus are seen to the left. The map is richly decorated with sea monsters and sailing ships, common embellishments in 16th-century maps, which served to both entertain and propagate the dangers of sea travel during that period.
This map is part of a series originally included in the publication Landtaflen, known for being the first national atlas of Switzerland and one of the earliest national atlases in Europe. The maps in this collection were prepared by Johannes Stumpf (1500-1576) and engraved by Heinrich I. Vogtherr (1490-1556) from Strassburg. The atlas was an important milestone in Swiss cartography and a major contribution to European geographical knowledge of the time.
The map’s origins are traced back to the Cosmographia by Münster and to the earlier work of Waldseemüller, indicating its intellectual heritage within the tradition of Renaissance cartography. The beautifully crafted details, from the topographical elements to the ornate borders and text, elevate this map’s historical and aesthetic significance. Its rarity and connection to the Swiss national atlas make it a noteworthy piece for collectors and historians alike.
Inventory #12840