Sebastian Münster (1489–1552) - Cosmographia Universalis - Vendemmia nel Vallese e Spedizione di Annibale sulle Alpi - 1550

Sebastian Münster (1489–1552) was a German cartographer and scholar best known for his work "Cosmographia Universalis," first published in 1544. This work served as a highly influential early modern geography textbook, combining maps, descriptions of the earth's parts, ethnographic details, and illustrations. The 1550 editions featuring scenes like "Vendemmia nel Vallese" (Grape Harvest in Valais) and "Spedizione di Annibale sulle Alpi" (Hannibal's Expedition over the Alps) showcase Münster’s blend of geographical knowledge, history, and vivid woodcut imagery. "Cosmographia" was notable for making geographic knowledge accessible to a wider audience, combining scientific description with artistic elements. It holds an important place in Renaissance cartography and natural history, exemplifying early attempts to systematically document and visualize the known world.