Bidspirit auction | Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) – ”L'effigie

Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) – ”L'effigie de la ville de Constantinoble selon qu'elle est de nostre temps soubz le Turc” – Original 16th-Century Woodcut Map of Constantinople - An original 16th-century woodcut map by the renowned German cartographer and cosmographer Sebastian Münster, published in his celebrated Cosmographia, one of the most influential geographical works of the Renaissance. The map presents a striking panoramic view of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) under Ottoman rule, depicting the city's fortified walls, the imperial palace, Hagia Sophia, the district of Pera, the harbor, and numerous ships navigating the Bosphorus. The French title translates as ”The likeness of the city of Constantinople as it is in our time under the Turk.” This is a genuine 16th-century woodcut from an early French edition of Cosmographia. A modern pencil inscription on the mount reads Basel 1552; however, while Münster issued a Latin edition in Basel in 1552, the present sheet is printed in French. It is therefore more accurately described as originating from an early French edition of the work, rather than definitively attributing it to the 1552 Basel edition. Details: Cartographer: Sebastian Münster (1488–1552) Title: L'effigie de la ville de Constantinoble selon qu'elle est de nostre temps soubz le Turc Work: Cosmographia Technique: Original woodcut Place of publication: Europe Date: c. 1550–1575 Image size: approx. 38 × 20 cm (15 × 8 in) Sheet size: approx. 40 × 61 cm (15.7 × 24 in) Condition: Good overall condition for its age, with the original center fold as issued, minor age toning, light staining, and wide margins. Mounted in a modern mat with a later pencil inscription at the bottom.