Fine example of Münster’s second map of Africa, from his important Cosmographia.
This map replaced Münster’s boxier depiction of Africa in 1588. It was based on Abraham Ortelius’ influential map of 1570. Ortelius’ map, in turn, was based on Gastaldi's eight-sheet wall map of 1564 and Mercator's world map of 1569. 14 x 12.5 inches. Contemporary coloring.
The map shows the continent of Africa, framed by Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, and part of Brazil. Unlike Ortelius’ map, part of Europe is also included on this map. Mountains, rivers, and large lakes dot the interior, along with cities and the names of political units, empires, and kingdoms. In the surrounding seas, there are sea monsters and ships. A simple title cartouche is in the Atlantic.
The main branch of the Nile is sourced from two lakes in southern Africa. The larger of these rivers is also the source for more rivers that flow south. All the rivers are amalgamated here, reflecting the common Medieval belief that most continents had a central lake which gave rise to the largest rivers of the landmass.
Münster's Cosmographia was the first German-language description of the world, and one of the defining books of the Renaissance.
