Bunting's Clover Leaf Map of the Old World
"Die Gantze Welt in ein Kleeberblat / Welches ist der Stadt Hannover Meines Lieben Vaterlandes Wapen", Bunting, Heinrich
Subject: Ancient World
Period: 1581 (circa)
Publication: Itinerarium Sacrae Scripturae
Color: Hand Color
Size:
14.1 x 10.2 inches
35.8 x 25.9 cm
This fanciful map of the Old World was drawn to represent the Trinity. The three continents of Europe, Asia and Africa are arranged in the form of a clover leaf with Jerusalem at the center. Three landmasses lie outside the trefoil: England and part of Scandinavia above, and in the lower left corner a portion of the New World (Die Newe Welt) appears. The woodblock map is beautifully engraved with waves in the oceans that are filled with sea monsters, a sailing ship and mermaids. Heinrich Bunting was a theological commentator from Hanover and devised the curious shape of the map from the arms of his home town. German text on verso.
References: Shirley #142; Manasek #32; Laor p.129; Nebenzahl (HL) pp. 88-89; Tooley (MCC-1) #88.
Condition: B
There are several printer's creases adjacent to centerfold, heavy show-though of text on verso, and two minute holes along centerfold, only visible when held to light.
