Rare Antique Print-PLAN BASEL-SWITZERLAND-WOODCUT-Belleforest-1575

Subject: Antique print, titled: ”Le Pourtraict de la ville de Basle […] 1549.” – The city of Basel, Switzerland as it appeared in 1549.

Condition: Good, given age. Original middle fold and ruled in brown ink as issued. Paper edges with light chipping. 2 Small holes near top and bottom middle fold margin, not effecting image. Light dampstaining in top right corner. Some remains on rear of paper tape from previous attachment. Rear text (see scan). General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

Medium: Woodcut on hand laid (verge type with chainlines) paper.

Size (in cm): The overall size is ca. 42 x 33.5 cm. The image size is ca. 35 x 27 cm.

Size (in inch): The overall size is ca. 16.5 x 13.2 inch. The image size is ca. 13.8 x 10.6 inch.

Part Number: 66408

Location: PCO-B1-11

Description: From: “Cosmographie Universelle de tout le monde […]”, by Freancois Belleforest, published in Paris in 1575 by Nicolas Chesneau et Michel Sonnius. This is mostly a French translation of Sebastian Munsters “Cosmographia”, with additions from other sources. Most of the woodcuts were copied. As only one ed. was published the woodcuts are generally of a much better quality as Munster’s and rare.

Artists and Engravers: Made by ‘(Monogram RAMD)’ after an anonymous artist. We have not been able to determine the maker of these woodcuts yet: Monogram RAMD. Any input appreciated.