1540s Swiss Map – Helvetia Prima Rheni et VIII Nova Tabula – Sebastian Münster – Colored Woodcut – State II

A hand-colored woodcut map of Switzerland from Sebastian Münster’s Geographia Universalis. This is among the earliest printed maps of Switzerland, depicting the Alpine region with clustered golden peaks, blue-tinted lakes Geneva and Constance, and dozens of red-roofed towns labeled — including Bern, Zurich, Lucerne, and Basel. This example represents the second state of Münster’s Swiss map, engraved for the 1545 Basel edition by Heinrich Petri, Münster’s son-in-law and principal printer. Other states and impressions of this map are held in major institutional collections, including the Zentralbibliothek Zürich and The New York Public Library. The impression is in poor condition, yet the image remains clear and fully legible. The sheet retains its full margins, which exhibit several small tears. Multiple tears and heavy wear are visible along the centerfold, and the paper is lightly toned with signs of age. ________________________________________ Print Details • Medium: Hand-colored woodcut on laid paper • Year: 1545 • Image Size: 13 × 10 in • Sheet Size: 17 × 13 in • Condition: Poor – strong impression; full margins; edge wear and small tears; tears and heavy wear along centerfold; light paper toning; unframed ________________________________________ Disclaimer I have conducted thorough research to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of this piece to the best of my ability. However, it is sold as is, with no guarantees or warranties regarding its provenance or historical attribution.