Sebastian Münster (1489–1552) - Cosmographia Universalis - La Geografia della Grecia e le Leggi di Licurgo a Sparta - 1550

This original sheet is a precious Renaissance page taken from the inner sections of the fourth book of the Latin edition of 1550 of Sebastian Münster's Cosmographia universalis, printed in Basel by the publisher Heinrich Petri. The front of the page (which bears at the top the header LIBER IIII and the pagination p. 1075) inaugurates the geographical and ethnic description of the Hellenic peninsula with the chapter PELOPONNESVS NOBILIOR PARS GRAECIAE (Cap. XXXVI). The Latin text describes the topography of ancient Peloponnese connected to Attica by the Isthmus, examining the historical attempts to cut the land bridge made by Julius Caesar, Caligula and Nero (Isthmi angustiae). Münster also analyzes the historic defensive fortifications such as the Hexamilion wall, erected against incursions of the Turks led by Murad II (Amurates). In the lower portion, the visual composition hosts a schematic diagram that summarizes the methodological distribution of the regions of European Greece (TOTIVS GRAECIAE EVROPEAE IN SVAS REGIONES), listing the historic districts of Macedonia, Epirus, true Greece and the Peloponnese, accompanied by typographic marginal glosses (Thermopylae, Euboea insula). Turning the page, the back (which bears the header DE GRAECIA and the pagination p. 1076) concentrates on the institutional and anthropological history of Laconia with the opening of the chapter LACONIA SEV LACONICA, LACEDAEMONIA quae & Sparta (Cap. XXXVII). The text describes in depth the legislative, political and social arrangement introduced at Sparta by the famous lawgiver Lycurgus. Münster describes the strict abolition of gold and silver coins in favor of heavy iron currencies aimed at uprooting avarice and luxury, the institution of frugal communal meals, and the austere military education imposed on boys from the seventh year of age (Puerorum educatio), described while walking barefoot and training for fatigue. The frontispiece is magnificently adorned by the finely engraved woodcut portrait of Lycurgus seen in profile with Renaissance garments and headdress, and is richly accompanied by the important typographic marginal glosses (Leges Lycurgi, Oculus Lycurgo excussus, Matrimonia) which serve as critical and moral apparatus for the reader of the sixteenth century.

Dimensions 30 x 20 cm
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