Von dem Teutschen Landt. Von der Statt Oldenburg oder Aldenburg in Sachsen / sampt ihrer abcontrafactur. / Aldenburg.

Title

Von dem Teutschen Landt. Von der Statt Oldenburg oder Aldenburg in Sachsen / sampt ihrer abcontrafactur. / Aldenburg.

General view of the Hanseatic city of Stade on the Lower Elbe in Lower Saxony, mistakenly titled as Aldenburg. Above, a coat of arms depicting the County of Meydenburg. The reverse side features German text.

ca. 1574

Artist

Münster (1489-1552)

Sebastian Münster (1489–1552) was a leading Renaissance cosmographer. His most famous work, the Cosmographia (1544), was a comprehensive description of the world with 24 maps, based on research dating back to 1528. Continuously revised, the 1550 edition already included many new maps. It was the first scientific yet accessible world description published in German, illustrated with numerous woodcuts by artists such as Hans Holbein the Younger. Between 1544 and 1650, the Cosmographia appeared in 46 editions (27 in German) and was translated into several languages. Münster’s work combined the knowledge of scholars, artists, and travelers and remained influential long after his death.

Historical Description

Stade is a historic Hanseatic city in Lower Saxony, Germany, and played a significant role in the history of the Middle Ages and the Hanseatic League. Stade was first mentioned in historical records in the 9th century and became an important trading center during the Middle Ages. The city was a significant member of the Hanseatic League, a network of trading cities that connected the North and Baltic Seas. Stade was especially known for its trade in grain, fish, and wool. In the 16th century, the city experienced an economic setback as the Hanseatic League lost its prominence. Today, Stade is primarily known for its well-preserved old town, characterized by half-timbered houses and historic buildings. Notable landmarks include the Schwedenspeicher Museum and the Stade Town Hall.