Catalog Archive
Auction 111, Lot 351

"[Europa Regina]", Munster, Sebastian

Subject: Europe

Period: 1580 (circa)

Publication: Cosmographia

Color: Black & White

Size:
6.5 x 10 inches
16.5 x 25.4 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This is a simplified version of Johannes Bucius' representation of Europa Regina or Queen of the World. West is shown at top with Spain forming her head and the crown, France and Germany the neck and bust, Italy the left arm and Denmark the right arm holding a scepter with Britain as the flag. The remainder of the figure is a flowing robe with Greece and Russia at the feet. It has been argued that instead of a woman, the map represents Charles V of Spain, modeling a Europe that had Spain as its crown. Whatever the source, this is an extraordinary example of the art of mapmaking.

References:

Condition: B

Toned with a couple of worm holes in blank margins.

Estimate: $800 - $900

Sold for: $600

Closed on 6/8/2005

Archived