Catalog Archive
Auction 138, Lot 594

"Germania", Belleforest, Francois

Subject: Central Europe

Period: 1575 (circa)

Publication: Cosmographia

Color: Black & White

Size:
20 x 14.5 inches
50.8 x 36.8 cm
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Scarce map from an edition of Sebastian Munster's "Cosmographia", which was translated into French and issued with new maps by Francois de Belle-Forest. The map is a copy of Ortelius' map of the same title. It covers the German Empire, which at the time included nearly all of central Europe. Interestingly the map was produced by the woodcut method, rather than a copper engraving. The map is beautifully decorated with the royal arms enclosed in a cartouche, strapwork title and scale of miles cartouches, and a ship and sea monster in the horizontally stippled sea. Another title, Carte Generalle D'Alemaigne, above neatline. A rare and sought-after map, issued only in one edition.

References:

Condition: B+

A nice impression on watermarked paper with light toning along centerfold, a few insignificant paper flaws near scale of miles, and two faint damp stains in top corners. Trimmed close to neatline along 3 sides.

Estimate: $750 - $900

Unsold

Closed on 12/7/2011

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