"Moerswunder und seltzame thier wie die in Mitnaechtigen laendern gefunden werden" Hand-colored woodcut. Published in "Cosmographia" by Sebastian Muenster (1488-1552). This print was published in Basel in 1553. The woodcut was cut by Hans Rudolf Manuel Deutsch, who signed in the lower right corner of the woodcut with his initials: HRMD

Maps, Curiosities, Sea monsters, sea creatures, Muenster

$1,170.00 ~~$1,950.00~~

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Moerswunder und seltzame thier wie die in Mitnaechtigen laendern gefunden werden

Hand-colored woodcut. Published in "Cosmographia" by Sebastian Muenster (1488-1552). This print was published in Basel in 1553.

The woodcut was cut by Hans Rudolf Manuel Deutsch, who signed in the lower right corner of the woodcut with his initials: HRMD

Muenster used the famous map "Carta Marina" by Olaus Magnus as model for his conglomerate of sea monsters. The "Carta Marina", a magnificent extra large map of Northern Europe was printed in Venice in 1539. Muenster condensed such mostly mythical and quite frightening sea monsters, with a sensational aspect to his "Cosmographia".

On the reverse side of the print is an explanation of what we see on the fromt side (in the German language), a description of Greenland and the extended title for the sea monsters, where Muenster states that some of the sea monsters are equal to land animals.

Condition: Attractive hand coloring. Next to centerfold another vertical crease. Some spots alongside centerfold. Margins all around show traces of age and use. In the left margin a repaired tear that does not reach into image.Reverse side of print shows reinforcements on centerfold, done probably centuries ago. There are two ink underlinings in the text and a few hand-written ink annotions.

Aside from the mentioned conspicuities and considering its age this print is in quite good condition, especially attarctive is the typical hand cooling in the Renaissance style.

25,8 x 34,7 cm (ca. 11.2 x 13.7")