Catalog Archive
Auction 108, Lot 39

"Ptolemeisch General Tafel die Halbe Kugel der Welt Begreiffende", Munster/Petri

Subject: Ancient World

Period: 1588 (circa)

Publication: Cosmographia

Color: Hand Color

Size:
14 x 12 inches
35.6 x 30.5 cm
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Woodcut, Ptolemaic world map redrawn for the later issues of Munster's Cosmographia. The traditional classical world is surrounded by clouds and eleven wind-heads (their names in banners). The continents are oddly shaped and all connected by a great southern continent, Terra incognito secundum Ptolemaeum. There is a very large Toprobana (modern day Sri Lanka) in the landlocked Indian Ocean, and the Indian subcontinent is severely truncated. Only the northern part of Africa is shown with the Nile originating in a series of lakes in a large mountain range.

References: Shirley #162.

Condition: A

Good strong impression and heavier paper than is often seen with this map. Slight creasing along centerfold.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200

Sold for: $950

Closed on 9/29/2004

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