Von dem Teutschen Landt. / Groeninga M.D.LXXIII.

Title

Von dem Teutschen Landt. / Groeninga M.D.LXXIII.

Overall view of the city of Groningen in the year 1573 in the Netherlands, with a city index and title banner in the sky. The reverse side shows the coat of arms of Mark Brandenburg. Each with a German description.Printed by Heinrich Petri

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

Groningen was originally a small trading settlement and grew during the Middle Ages due to its location on important trade routes, especially through its proximity to the Wadden Sea. In the 11th century, the city became an important administrative and commercial center and was granted city rights by Heinrich III of Germany in 1040. In the 13th century, Groningen became a significant part of the Hanse, a trade league of cities in the Baltic and North Sea regions. The city experienced a period of unrest in the 16th century due to the Reformation and religious conflicts, and was captured by the Habsburgs in 1594. Groningen eventually joined the Dutch Republic in 1597. In the 19th century, Groningen became a center of industrialization and grew economically. Today, Groningen is known for its university, founded in 1614, and its significant role in science and culture.