Sebastian Münster, Cosmographia, Das ist: Beschreibung der gantzen Welt Darinnen Aller Monarchien Keyserthumben, Königreichen, Fürstenthumben, Graff- vnd Herrschafften, Länderen, Stätten vnd Gemeinden; wie auch aller Geistlichen Stifften, Bisthumben … (Basel: bey den Henricpetrinischen, 1628). 910 M969c H-T, Tulane University Libraries Rare Books, New Orleans, LA.
“Sea Monsters and Fantastical Beasts”
Sebastian Münster (1488-1552) was a German cartographer and cosmographer, well known for his accurate world maps. The top panel reveals a terrestrial menagerie, featuring familiar beasts like reindeer and elk alongside fantastical creatures.
However, it is the maritime realm where the imagination runs wild, as monstrous sea creatures wreak havoc upon helpless sailors and their vessels. The depiction includes a colossal lobster clutching a powerless figure, and fanged whales spouting water from their monstrous heads. At the bottom left, a tree with ducks as fruit can be seen. Most of the depictions are based on real creatures thought to be encountered by whalers and sailors at the time.
Nicholas Minutti