Italy - Emilia-Romagna / Ravenna; Sebastian Münster (Ingelheim, 1488 – Basilea, 1552) - Von der Statt Ravenna. Cap. xviii. - 1521-1550

Splendid Renaissance sheet of exceptional historical and collecting value, enriched by two important woodcut engravings in the text:
1. The Recto (Pg. 439) - Prospective View of Ravenna: Fascinating bird's-eye plan that shows the fifteenth-century physiognomy of the Romagna city, partly idealized. The composition highlights the lagoonal and coastal nature of Ravenna, surrounded by waters and enhanced by a dense array of crenellated walls, medieval towers, historic palaces, and boats skimming the adjacent waters. On the right stands a stylized exotic palm.
2. The Verso (Pg. 440) - Portrait of the Exarch: On the back of the sheet appears a refined silographic portrait in half-length showing the dynasty of the Exarchs of Ravenna (the ancient Byzantine governor in Italy), depicted in splendid Renaissance armor with a standard and feathered helm. Beside it is printed the chronological table of the 15 historic exarchs (from Longinus to Euthicius) with their respective reign years (569–729 A.D.).

The impression of the wood block is sharp and dark, free of inking flaws. The paper presents the natural and warm patina of time.