Sebastian Münster

Americae Sive Novi Orbis Nova Descriptio

c. 1550 · Woodcut

$2,500Good

An exceptional and rare woodcut map of the Americas by Sebastian Münster, from his Cosmographia — one of the most important geographic works of the 16th century and the first to include a separate map of the Americas in a German-language publication. The map is titled in German at the top: "Die newen Inseln / so hinder Hispantam gegen Orient / bey dem Lande Indie gelegen." It depicts North and South America in the early Renaissance geographic tradition — with the continent labeled "America Sive Novi Orbis Nova Descriptio" in the lower left cartouche. The map shows the Pacific coast of North America (labeled Anian), the Caribbean, Central America, and South America extending to Terra del Fuego. Uncolored as issued, with the characteristic bold woodcut line work of the Münster tradition. A map of the greatest rarity and historical significance.

Condition: Uncolored as issued. Age toning consistent with a 16th-century woodcut. A document of extraordinary rarity.

Dimensions: 12 1/8 x 14 1/8 inches.

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