Map of Africa
1598
Affricae Tabula Nova. MÜNSTER, Sebastian (1488-1552) Woodcut. Basel, Sebastian Petri, 1598. Sheet dimensions: 34.2 x 41.6 cm. Subject dimensions: 30.9 x 36 cm. Woodcut, wide margins, period coloring. Slight traces of dampstaining or oxidation. On the verso, a strapwork cartouche with the monogram "VG" for Urs Graff. Good general condition for this large 16th-century map. Title in a rectangular cartouche with elaborate calligraphic decoration. This second map of Africa by Münster is inspired in particular by the famous map by Abraham Ortelius published in 1570. The continent is surrounded by part of Europe, Arabia, and, to the west, a portion of Brazil. The interior of Africa is densely detailed with kingdoms, cities, rivers, and regions, while ships and sea creatures animate the oceans.
Beautiful map from the end of the 16th century, remarkable for its abundant nomenclature, its ships, and sea monsters. Title strapwork on the verso with monogram by Urs Graff.
