Von Deutschlandt. 895 / Contrafehtung der Statt Mechel oder Machlen. Das Fünffte Buch 896 / Contrafehtung der Statt Hertzogen Bosch.

Title

Von Deutschlandt. 895 / Contrafehtung der Statt Mechel oder Machlen. Das Fünffte Buch 896 / Contrafehtung der Statt Hertzogen Bosch.

Overall view of Mechelen in Belgium, with an image of a priest above. The back shows an overall view of 's-Hertogenbosch in North Brabant, the Netherlands.

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

Mechelen is a historic city in the Flemish Region of Belgium, which played a central role in the history of the country during the Middle Ages and the Early Modern Period. The history of Mechelen dates back to Roman times, when it was a military and trading hub. In the Middle Ages, Mechelen grew into an important center of the Flemish textile industry and trade. The city was a significant transit point for goods from the Netherlands and other parts of Europe. Mechelen experienced a golden age in the 16th century under the rule of Charles V and later Philip II. During Charles V's reign, the city was briefly the capital of the Netherlands. It was also during this period that the St. Rumbold's Cathedral was built, which today stands as the city's landmark. In the 19th century, the city faced an economic decline, but this was mitigated by industrialization in the late 19th century. Today, the city is known for its well-preserved old town, historic buildings, and cultural landmarks, including the Art Museum and the Grote Markt.