MUNSTER

TABULA ASIAE I

Sebastien MUNSTER (1488 – 1552)

c.1542

34 X 27 cm.

The special thing about this map is that it is an example taken from the first edition of the Munster edition of Ptolemy’s Geographia : the woodblocks are fresh, the imprint is deep. Two later editions would follow.

The other special characteristic is that it is in contemporary colour. Extremely few examples of the atlas are to be found in contemporary colour.

 

This Ptolemaic map of Turkey is presented in a trapezoidal projection. The Black Sea (Pontus Euxinus) at the top is filled with block of descriptive Latin text.. The Bosporus Strait and Constantinople (or Istanbul) are at the left. Part of Crete appears at the lower left and the Euphrates River flows south along the east side of the map. Mountains and cities are shown in profile. Woodcut with Latin text on verso marked page 17.

The image is a historical map titled “Tabula Asiae I,” part of Sebastian Munster’s “Geographia Universalis,” published in 1540 by Henrichum Petrum. This woodcut map measures 33 cm in width and 25 cm in height and is a significant cartographic work of its time, illustrating parts of Asia Minor, the Black Sea, and Cyprus. It is part of the first edition of Munster’s atlas, which includes 48 maps, with this being the first map of Asia, List No 11623.041, and Pub List No 11623.000.

Composition and Medium:

The map is a woodcut, uncolored and detailed, showcasing the geographical knowledge of the 16th century. Relief is depicted pictorially, a common technique of the period, to indicate mountains and other topographical features. The map includes a grid system for coordinates, enhancing its use for navigation and reference.

Style and Features:

The style is typical of early Renaissance cartography, characterized by its decorative elements and illustrative approach to geography. The map is adorned with inscriptions and legends that list town names and other geographical features. Significant landmarks such as mountains, rivers, and cities are indicated with symbols and labels.

Subject Matter:

The map covers Asia Minor, parts of the Black Sea, and Cyprus. It includes numerous cities and regions like Mysia, Bithynia, Galatia, and Armenia, among others. The Black Sea is labeled as “Pontus Euxinus,” a classical name derived from Greek. The map also marks important rivers and the mountainous regions of Asia Minor.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Sebastian Munster, a prominent figure in the development of cartography, compiled this work as part of a larger effort to revise Ptolemaic geography with more contemporary knowledge. This map reflects the blend of ancient knowledge and Renaissance humanism, highlighting the transition in geographical understanding from classical antiquity to early modern Europe.

Munster’s atlas was a crucial development in the history of cartography, as it was among the first to incorporate new geographical discoveries and scientific advancements. This was during a period when European exploration was expanding rapidly, and there was a growing interest in accurate geographical documentation.

Notable Features:

– Inscribed Legends: The map includes legends that provide context and information about the regions depicted. These legends are in Latin, the scholarly language of the time.
– Pictorial Relief: The depiction of mountains and topographies with pictorial symbols reflects the artistic style and limitations of the period’s cartographic techniques.
– Cities and Regions: Cities such as Nicopolis, Tarsus, and Byzantium are marked, indicating their significance in trade and politics during that era.

Conclusion:

“Tabula Asiae I” is a testament to the evolving understanding of geography during the Renaissance. It combines Ptolemaic tradition with more recent knowledge, showing how cartographers like Munster sought to expand and correct ancient geographical models. This map not only served as a practical tool for explorers and scholars of the time but also as a cultural artifact that illustrates the historical context and intellectual pursuits of the 16th century.