Title: Rare 1592 Woodcut of Exotic Animal from Sebastian Münster's "Cosmographia"
Description: This intriguing woodcut, published in Basel in 1592, is from Sebastian Münster's groundbreaking "Cosmographia." The image portrays an exotic animal, rendered in a manner characteristic of early zoological depictions, blending artistic interpretation with the limited scientific knowledge of the time. Measuring approximately 5 3/4" by 4 1/8" (image size) and mounted in an 8 1/2" by 13" mat, this woodcut invites curiosity about its subject and era.
"Cosmographia" was a monumental work that gathered all known geographical and natural history knowledge into a single, richly illustrated volume. It featured maps, city views, and depictions of both real and mythical creatures, making it one of the first encyclopedic efforts to document the world. The publication was a critical milestone in cartography, with innovations such as the naming of the Pacific Ocean and accurate continental depictions of the Americas.
Sebastian Münster (1489–1552) was a prominent German cartographer, cosmographer, and scholar. His work continues to be celebrated for its historical significance and artistic charm. This woodcut is a fascinating artifact for collectors of early zoological and historical prints.
Condition: Well-preserved with minor age-related wear, suitable for framing or display.
Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.