"[Monsters] Meerwunder und Seltzame Their, Wie die in Den Mitnachtigen Landern, Im Meer Und Auff Dem Landt Gefunden Werden", Munster, Sebastian

One of the more fanciful cartographic curiosities and a unique view of Renaissance attitudes toward the unknown lands beyond the civilized world. This woodblock illustration presents a compendium of monsters as known in the sixteenth century. Across the top is a panel showing land-based creatures. But the majority of the monsters are ferocious sea creatures shown devouring hapless sailors and wrecking ships. Dutch text on verso with key to the engraving.

References:

Condition: A

Professionally re-margined at bottom left and repair of marginal tears and a few scattered tiny wormholes. Later color.