Chur Switzerland Rhine River 1598 antique engraved panorama hand color city plan
Chur Switzerland Rhine River 1598 antique engraved panorama hand color city plan Chur Switzerland Rhine River 1598 antique engraved panorama hand color city plan Chur Switzerland Rhine River 1598 antique engraved panorama hand color city plan
$ 175.00

Die Statt Chur im Schweitzergebirg in der Grawenbunderlandt

(Chur, Switzerland)

Issued c.1598, Basel, Switzerland by S. Munster

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

With lovely detailed hand color. Great early scene, with much interesting detail all over.

In Good to Good+ or better condition, sheet moderately age toned and with some minor light "show-through" as typical, trivial small spotting, light age wear as always, but overall the map is very attractive and well worth of ownership or display [note: we grade very conservatively and always seek to disclose any noteworthy flaws]. Text & other small woodcut on verso as issued.

 

The printed area remains visually pleasing, a nice impression of an interesting very early image of this location.

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

Original woodblock print 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. 15 1/2" W x 11 7/8" H

Printed area measures c. 13 1/2" W x 5 1/2" H.

Original fold line as issued.

[61845]