"Germania", Belleforest, Francois

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 map. A rare and sought-after map, issued only in one edition.

References: Pastoureau, Belleforest #I-2, [22].

Condition: B+

A nice impression on watermarked paper, issued folding with minor 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, as issued.