Muenster, Sebastian & Hans Holbein the Younger

Typus cosmographicus universalis. Basel: [1537 or 1555]



Woodcut map of the world on two sheets joined at the center,  overall 16 3/8 x 22 5/8 in., 415 x 575 mm, spandrel vignettes, two large panels of inset type, several place names typeset, later handcoloring; lower left edge slightly frayed, two tiny worm punctures and a few tiny spots in margins.

Shirley, Mapping of the World, 67; Nordenskiöld, pp. 105-106; Sabin 34100

Woodcut map of the world on two sheets joined at the center, overall 16 3/8 x 22 5/8 in., 415 x 575 mm, spandrel vignettes, two large panels of inset type, several place names typeset, later handcoloring; lower left edge slightly frayed, two tiny worm punctures and a few tiny spots in margins.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Fine impression of this beautiful map, which first appeared in the 1532 Basel edition of Grynaeus's Novus Orbis Regionum, and is adorned with border vignettes attributed to Hans Holbein the Younger (1497-1543). The vignettes feature winged angels turning the World on its axis, suggesting Copernicus' theory of the rotation of the Earth, thirteen years before the publication of his De Revolutionibus.

The map is quite antiquated for its time and was probably prepared prior to 1532, based on Schoener globes and Apianus, but it compensates with a variety of artistic embellishment including sea-monsters, mermaids, and an early sailing ship. The border vignettes include winged serpents, native peoples, hunting scenes and cannibals at their repast.

This is a slightly later issue probably from the 1537 or 1555 edition, as the typeset label for Asia is in larger letters, the typeset title is 15 mm wider than the 1532 version, and the type composition in the panels differs slightly from the first, while the Tropicus Capricornus is printed above the tropical line as in the first.