Von dem Teutschen Landt. Von der Bischofflichen Statt Utrecht.

Title

Von dem Teutschen Landt. Von der Bischofflichen Statt Utrecht.

Map of the Dutch city of Utrecht with two coat of arms illustrations. Back side with 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

Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a rich and diverse history.
Around 50 AD, the Romans built a fort called Traiectum at the site of present-day Utrecht, which was part of the Limes, the northern border of the Roman Empire.
The name “Utrecht” later derives from Ultra Traiectum (beyond the ford).
In 1122, Utrecht was granted city rights, making it one of the oldest cities in the country.
In the Middle Ages, Utrecht was an important religious center.
In the 16th century, political and religious upheaval occurred due to the Reformation.
In the 19th century, Utrecht lost its national significance but remained an important religious and cultural center.