Maps, Europe (Moderna Europae Desriptio)

"Moderna Europae Descriptio"

Hand-colored woodcut.

Published in "Cosmographia" by Sebastian Muenster (1488-1552)

Latin edition

Basel, 1554

At the early time in printing, when Sebastian Muenster published his "Cosmographia", there was no consent among cartographers about printing maps north-oriented. Muenster printed the European continent "upside down", i.e. south-oriented, which makes it look awkward. But really the scurrility and peculiarity of portraying Europe this way makes the map a specialty of its own kind.

This 16th century map shows the European continent in the west-east extension from Portugal and Ireland to Poland and the Baltics and Greece, while Scandinavia and Finland are omitted.

On verso the Latin title: "Europae generalis descriptio"

Original antique print 

Especially margins show traces of age and use. Lower right margin conner with the typical smut resulting from turning pages. The print itself in very good condition. On reverse side remnants of attachment as the map was once matted and possibly framed.

25,2 x 34 cm (a. 10 x 13.4")  interior design, wall decoration, ideas, idea, gift ideas, present, vintage, charming, special, decoration, home interior, living room design