Catalog Archive
Auction 118, Lot 53

"Ptolemaisch General Tafel Begreissend die halbe Rugel der Weldt", Munster, Sebastian

Subject: Ancient World

Period: 1540 (circa)

Publication: Geographia

Color: Hand Color

Size:
12.2 x 14.2 inches
31 x 36.1 cm
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This woodcut, Ptolemaic world map is surrounded by clouds and eleven wind heads (with their names shown in the banners). The continents are oddly shaped and all connected by a great southern continent Terra incognito secundum Ptolemaeum. There is a very large Taprobana (modern day Sri Lanka) in the 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 #76.

Condition: A

Professional reinforcement of minor paper weakness just left of lower centerfold.

Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300

Sold for: $1,200

Closed on 3/6/2007

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