Rare 1592 Woodcut of Exotic Animal from Sebastian Münster's "Cosmographia"

€ 240

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1592
Sheet size: 21 × 26 cm (8.3 × 10.2 in)
Reference: BG-14035-11

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

Minimal age-related wear, consistent with a well-preserved woodcut from the late 16th century. Suitable for framing or display.

About this sheet

This intriguing woodcut, published in Basel in 1592, is from Sebastian Münster's groundbreaking "Cosmographia." The image portrays an exotic animal, rendered in a manner characteristic of early zoological depictions, blending artistic interpretation with the limited scientific knowledge of the time. Measuring approximately 5 3/4" by 4 1/8" (image size) and mounted in an 8 1/2" by 13" mat, this woodcut invites curiosity about its subject and era.

"Cosmographia" was a monumental work that gathered all known geographical and natural history knowledge into a single, richly illustrated volume. It featured maps, city views, and depictions of both real and mythical creatures, making it one of the first encyclopedic efforts to document the world. The publication was a critical milestone in cartography, with innovations such as the naming of the Pacific Ocean and accurate continental depictions of the Americas.

Sebastian Münster (1489–1552) was a prominent German cartographer, cosmographer, and scholar. His work continues to be celebrated for its historical significance and artistic charm. This woodcut is a fascinating artifact for collectors of early zoological and historical prints.