Italy Cannons Shooting Italian Town Tybur 1628 Munster original antique print

Cosmographia

Issued 1628, Basel, Switzerland by S. Munster

Fine original antique engraving. Printed on quality paper which retains its inherent structural flexibility and soundness.

In Good or better condition, sheet heavily age toned, with neat early writing in margins by a very early hand [note: we grade very conservatively and always seek to disclose any noteworthy flaws]. Text & another woodcuts on verso as issued.

The printed area remains visually pleasing, a nice impression of an interesting pair of images.

There are 2 nice early city views on this single sheet, one on each side. One town appears to be called Civitella or Abcontrafactur and the other one Tybur, both in italy.

Any minor defects along the sheet edges and in the margins may be seen in the photos.

Original woodblock print(s) contained on this original 1628 leaf from the German edition of Munster's " Cosmography ".

This leaf originally appeared in this monumental 17th century landmark work, which was one of the earliest attempts in Europe to systematically and accurately organize, describe and depict the entire world as it was then known. It is encyclopedic in nature and scope, and discusses the various cultures, topography and history for all parts of the world -- much of it speculative and wildly inaccurate. The images thus captures the world through the eyes of this Renaissance/ early modern Europe era.

The Cosmography woodblocks display a charming quality which is soon lost to more subtle engraving techniques on metal.

Would look wonderful if framed for display and is a fascinating relic of publishing and printing history from almost 400 years ago!

Sheet measures c. 8" W x 12" H

Please note: this is a single sheet. We have scanned both sides for you.

[27738]