World Map of Andreas Walsperger 1448 Vatican

Reproduction of the 1448 map

The Vatican Library

Integral reproduction of the map in its orginal format of 59.5 x 73.5 cm, printed on special tear-proof paper.

 Andreas Walsperger's World Map reveals the vision of the world that European monks had more than 500 years ago. The map has a diameter of 42.5 cm and is surrounded by circles representing the celestial spheres.  The names of the heavenly choirs are listed in the outermost circle.  Between  the circles are the signs of the Zodiac and the names of the winds.  The Ocean encircles the entire earth as far as the extreme South where Africa is extended right to the circumference.

A Latin inscription reads: "Here is the South Pole where the Earth is uninhabitable." Around this pole are found strange monsters, half-human, half-animal. The North pole, opposite, is also described as uninhabitable. To the East lies Eden, represented by a city with high towers and walls.  Adjoining comments are typical of the view of the world on the eve of the discovery of the New World.  Of particular interest are the drawings of Amazons,pygmies and such mythic beasts as a Cyclops and creatures with pendulous ears and tails.   While the world map of the monk Andreas Walsperger introduces us to the vision of the world based on monastic learning, the portulans such as the maritime maps of Andreas Benincasa and Jehuda Ben Zara evoke the memory of the bold navigators at the dawn of modern history.

 Condition: NEW By Belser Incoporated Publishers