Raynor HCA 2014-01
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/30/2014
A two page, “Meerwunder und seltzame Thier...”, 15-1/4” x 12-1/4,” uncolored wood-cut engraving of a number of Sea Monster, VG. Munster's plate of mythical creatures is taken from Olaus Magnus' Carta Marina of 1539 and includes abundant tusks, horns and twin-spouts. One vignette shows a galleon trying to outrun one monster by throwing their cargo overboard, while one sailor takes sight with a musket. Ortelius also adapted many of the monsters for use on his map of Iceland in 1587. One of the most sought-after of all 16th Century curiositiess One of the most famous charts of mythical sea monsters by Sebastian Munster. The monsters are derivative from the 'Carta Marina' of 1539 by Olaus Magnus and have been used by many 16th and 17th century mapmakers to illustrate their maps. The chart gives a unique view of Renaissance attitudes toward the unknown lands beyond the civilized world. One of the most sought after 16th century curiosities. Italian text on verso. Sebastian Münster was born 1489 in Ingelheim (Pfalz). First being a Franciscan, he became Professor for Theology, Hebrew and Mathematics after he converted to Protestantism in 1529. He became one of the most influencing geographers of the sixteenth century. His "Cosmographia", published in 1544, spread geographical knowledge wide over Europe. It was issued in nearly 40 editions and 6 languages. Münster was the first cartographer publishing each known continent on a separate map. His second important work was the "Geographia", a new edition of Ptolemys Geographia. He died May 1552 in Basel on Black Death.
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