Montpellier Southern France 1628 antique wood engraved city plan

Die Statt Montpelier mit ihrer Gelegenheit

(Montpellier, France)

Issued 1628, Basel, Switzerland by S. Munster

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

In 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.

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. 17 1/8" W x 14 5/8" H

Printed area measures c. 12" W x 4" H.

Original fold line as issued.

[61855]