Catalog Archive
Auction 187, Lot 41

Early Edition of Daniel's Dream Map

"[Daniel's Dream Map]",

Subject: Ancient World

Period: 1599 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
6 x 4.6 inches
15.2 x 11.7 cm
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This unusual little map is also known as the Wittenberg world map. It represents Daniel's interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. This prophecy from Chapter 7 of the book of Daniel speaks of "the four winds of the heaven … and four great beasts [which] came up from the sea." The barely recognizable continents of the Old World - Europe, Asia and Africa - are depicted with the four beasts of Daniel's dream. The world is surrounded by wind heads in a blustery sky and a stormy ocean. Theologians at Wittenberg interpreted this dream as a foretelling of the victory of the Turks at the Battle of Mohacs in 1526, and the image remained popular for several decades thereafter. The map first appeared in a commentary on the prophet Daniel by Martin Luther in circa 1529, and is often attributed to the printer Hans Lufft. This example is considered the 2nd version of the map. Published in a German bible Die Propheten Alle Deudsch in Wittenberg, printed by Lorenz Seuberlich from 1599-1610. On a full sheet of German text measuring 9.4 x 15.2".

References:

Condition: A

A clean and bright example with one small stain in the text below the image and a tiny tear along the bottom edge of the sheet.

Estimate: $550 - $700

Sold for: $400

Closed on 4/27/2022

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