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  • [Untitled] Insculptum est per Iohane Schnitzer de Armszheim.

[Untitled] Insculptum est per Iohane Schnitzer de Armszheim.

  • ARTIST: Claudius Ptolemy

  • PUBLISHER: Published by Leinhart Holle, Ulm.

  • MEDIUM: Woodcut,

    DATE: 1482.

  • EDITION SIZE: 16 x 22 1/8" (40.6 x 56.3 mm) plus margins

  • DESCRIPTION: The rare, first state of the Ulm Ptolemy map of the world, one of the most famous and highly sought after of all 15th-century world maps and certainly the most decorative. It is the first map of the world printed north of the Alps and the first to appear in color which was applied by the publisher. It is also the earliest world map signed by its engraver, Johanne Schnitzer. While Ptolemaic in construction, the map includes information on Scandinavia based upon Claudius Clavius' map of 1427. The map follows the manuscript map of Donnus Nicolaus Germanus issued in the prior decades. The Ulm Ptolemy was first published in 1482 by Leinhart Holle. However, Holle went bankrupt shortly after the original publication and the work was taken over by Johann Reger, who issued an addition in 1486. While the map does reflect some modern updates, the Portuguese discoveries in Africa are omitted and the map retains a closed Indian Ocean, with a land bridge or unknown Southern Continent connecting Asia and Africa. Twelve wind heads ring the map, each of which is named.

  • ADDITIONAL INFO: Framed to museum quality standards in a hand carved, glod leaf molding. Glazed with ultra-violet protective plexiglas.

  • CONDITION: Overall in very good condition. Several minor tears restored and a bit of minor spotting due to foxing in the image, but generally a gorgeous example. Backed with archival Japan paper.

  • REFERENCE: Shirley, R. "The Mapping of the World" #10.

  • CATEGORIES: Maps