Lot 33459: Bunting - Map of the World published 1581 - Die eigentliche und warhafftige gestalt der Erden und des Meers: Cosmographica Universalis

This world map is entitled Die eigentliche und warhafftige gestalt der Erden und des Meers: Cosmographica Universalis and was done by Heinrich Bunting for his work Itinerarium Sacrae Scripturae. It was published in Magdeburg, Germany in 1581. The work itself was one of the most popular of the 16th century.

The map presented shows the known world at the time. It is centered on the Holy Land and features Europe, Africa, most of Asia, a hint of the Americas, and perhaps the western coast of Australia.

While Willem Janszoon, Dutch navigator, is widely credited with the discovery of Australia in 1606 there has been speculation in history that the Portuguese had secretly identified Australia in the 1500s. This map in partuclar lends credence to the idea with the landmass presented entitled "India Meridionalis".

The map shoes some sea monsters in the ocean. There is German text on verso of the map.

Shirley notes that Bunting had a "strange geographic license." Bunting created his maps from the perspective of Biblical geography rather than pure accurate cartography. He placed many of the cities of the Middle East because of its relation to Biblical events. His map added the most detail to Africa. This included the island of Meroe which refered to the mythical tombs of Nubian Kings. It also showed the kingdom of Prester John, a Christian King who held out against the Muslims.

Heinrich Bunting (1545-1606) was a Protestant theologian and teacher. He started his career as a preacher but was dismissed from two posts. Bunting became best known for his work Itinerarium Sacrae Scripturae. The work was eventually published in 60 editions dating from 1581 to 1757.

~ 14 1/2" by 12 1/4"

Engraving

1581

Overall Very Good to Excellent. The paper is lightly toned. Some of the world maps from this collection have archival tape at verso to reinforce the edges or from being matted previously. Please review the images provided carefully for condition and contact us with any questions. We've included pictures of the verso of the map, and in some cases further detail of the decorative areas of the maps.

Itinerarium Sacrae Scripturae