Mostri marini & terrestri, che si trouano in ogni luogo nelle parti d' aquilone

One of the most famous charts of mythical sea monsters by Sebastian Munster. The monsters are derivative from the 'Carta Marina' of 1539 by Olaus Magnus and have been used by many 16th and 17th century mapmakers to illustrate their maps. The chart gives a unique view of Renaissance attitudes toward the unknown lands beyond the civilized world. One of the most sought after 16th century curiosities. Italian text on verso.

Professional restoration at lower centrefold, small tear in margin backed, some brown spotting, otherwise fine.

Sebastian Münster was born 1489 in Ingelheim (Pfalz). First being a Franciscan, he became Professor for Theology, Hebrew and Mathematics after he converted to Protestantism in 1529. He became one of the most influencing geographers of the sixteenth century. His Cosmographia, published in 1544, spread geographical knowledge wide over Europe. It was issued in nearly 40 editions and 6 languages. Münster was the first cartographer publishing each known continent on a separate map. His second important work was the Geographia, a new edition of Ptolemys Geographia. He died May 1552 in Basel on Black Death.