Wood block map print of North & South America by Sebastian Muenster (Die Nuw Welt Cum Privlegio 1550)
Sebastian Muensters wood block print map of the new world Titled (Tauola dell' ifole nuoue, le quali fon nominate occidentali, & indiane per diuerfi rifpetti - Cum Privilego 1550) , Originally printed as part of "Cosmographia Universalis atlas by Muenster in 1500's. Shows North and South America , Japan (Zipangia) and west Africa with Atlantic and Pacific oceans represented. Print was glass framed some time in the 30s or 40s and says on rear "For my Son James McBride Perigord - this map I found in a book stall on the left bank along the Seine River Paris, France " Emily McBride Perigord. Map is attached to board as part of the framing. Print is in good condition without tears, breaks, or damage and paper is faded along with faded water coloring . (see attached photos)
16" x 12.125 overall print size and 13.5" x 11.125" for colored part only without top and bottom print
Garage / Yard Sale
Yes
Hi T. A.,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Sebastian Munster (1489-1552) was a German cartographer, cosmographer, and a Hebrew scholar. He also became a Franciscan monk at an early age. First published in Basel in 1560, Munster's "Cosmographey: das ist Beschreibung aller Länder Herrschaffen und für nemsten Stetten des gantzen Erdbodens" was the first work of scientific based knowledge in the German language.
The work was a massive chronicle of all the geographical knowledge of the world to that point. The work included world maps as well as views of smaller cities and woodcut illustrations of historical subjects, mythology, natural history and ethnography. It was the first work to show America in its "correct" continental form and "sealed the fate of 'America' as the name of the New World." (Burden 12) It was also the first to name the Pacific Ocean
It's a bit hard to tell from these photos if this is an original or later print but the size corresponds to period maps so I've given it the benefit of the doubt and valued it as a mid 16th century woodblock map; other period examples of this map that have sold at auction have brought prices ranging from $2,500-3,500 (antiquarian map- and booksellers might price such early maps higher).
If, after physical examination it turns out to be a later (19th or 20th Century) reproduction, the value would be much less, almost certainly below $1,000, if not below $500.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
Sebastian Munster
Map of the Americas (Florida is named, Cannibals notated in South America)
Published 1560
Plate: 11-1/8" by 13-1/2"; sheet" 12-1/8" by 16"
CONDITION: Framed; colors seem strong
PROVENANCE: Found in a book stall on the left bank along the Seine River Paris, France; previously owned by Emily McBride Perigord.
$ 2,500-3,500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
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~ Delia
