Antique World Map, Typus Universalis Terrae by Peter Apian, Indies Gallery Singapore

Map of the World, Year 1544

INDIES GALLERY

Rare ancient map of the world, published almost 500 years ago in Europe, and one of the earliest published maps to include North America.

Typus Universalis Terrae Iuxta Modernorum Distinctionem Et Extensionem Per Regna Et Provinciae fol. 1348

This rare early map of the world is based on the now-lost world map of Gemma Frisius from the year 1540, of which no known copy exists. In 1544, Peter Apian incorporated this world map into his Cosmographia, and was believed to have been dedicated to Emporer Charles V.

[Our translation: According to modern distinction type universal / and the layout of the kingdoms and provinces] APIAN, Peter (APIANUS, Petrus) Publication Antwerp, 1544 Condition This example is in excellent condition and the quality of the engraving is rich and dark.

Dimensions 30 by 22 mm.

47 by 39 cm. (Framed)

Price Upon Request

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Peter Apian, (April 16, 1495 – April 21, 1552), also known as Petrus Apianus, Peter Bennewitz, and Peter Bienewitz, was a German humanist, known for his works in mathematics, astronomy and cartography.

His work on "cosmography", the field that dealt with the earth and its position in the universe and presented in his most famous works, Astronomicum Caesareum (1540) and Cosmographicus liber (1524) which were extremely influential in his time with the numerous editions in multiple languages being published until

1609.

The world is presented in a cordiform projection on a cloud background filled with mythical figures and wind heads. The three cadaverous wind heads at the bottom represent the plague-carrying winds of the south.

The heart-shaped border of the map contains signs of the zodiac, and the seas are enlivened with ships and sea monsters.

The continents are largely based upon Mercator's 1541 Globe Gores, although North America is shown as a long slender landmass labelled Baccalearium (Translated: Good cod fishing nearby) in reference to the cod fishing region. The northwest passage is clearly identified.

South America is designated "America", likely in deference to Waldseemuller's world map of 1513. The interior of South America features the notations of Canibales near Brazil and Gigantium regio in the southern tip, and the Straits of Magellan are shown. Ferdinand Magellan. (ca.1480 – 27 April 1521) was a Portuguese explorer who organised the Spanish expedition to the East Indies from 1519 to 1522, resulting in the very first circumnavigation of the Earth.

One of the deities at the top of the map bears the Holy Roman Emporer's Double Eagle on its breastplate.

Above the continent Baccalearium (North America), there is a large Sea of Verazzano topped by the eastern portion of Asia. In Asia, India and Sri Lanka (Seylan) are noted, in addition to the part of Southeast Asia with Sumatra noted as Taprobana.

Africa has few interior details noted other than the prominent twin lake sources of the Nile, with a note of the Monteslune (Mountains of the Moon) and a lone elephant.

Life and Work, Apianus was born as Peter Bienewitz in Leisnig in Saxony, Germany. His father was a shoemaker and his family was relatively well off, belonging to the middle-class citizenry of Leisnig. From 1516 to 1519 he studied at the University of Leipzig; during this time, he Latinized his name to Apianus (lat. apis means "bee"; "Biene" is the German word for bee). In 1519, Apianus moved to Vienna and continued his studies at the University of Vienna, which was considered one of the leading universities in geography and mathematics at the time.

When the plague broke out in Vienna in 1521, he completed his studies and moved to Landshut, Germany, where he produced his Cosmographicus liber (1524), a highly respected work on astronomy and navigation which was to see at least 30 reprints in 14 languages and that remained popular until the end of the 16th century.

Apianus married the daughter of a councilman of Landshut, Katharina Mosner, in 1526. They would have fourteen children together, five girls and nine sons, one of whom was Philipp Apian (1531–1589), who, in addition to his own research, preserved the legacy of his father.

Through his work, Apianus became a favourite of Emperor Charles V, who had praised Cosmographicus in 1530 and granted him a printing monopoly in 1532 and 1534. In 1535, the emperor made Apianus an armiger, i.e. granted him the right to display a coat of arms. In 1540, Apianus printed the Astronomicum Caesareum, dedicated to Charles V. Charles promised him a truly royal sum (3,000 golden guilders), appointed him his court mathematician, and made him a Reichsritter (a Free Imperial Knight) and in 1544 even an Imperial Count Palatine. All this furthered Apianus's reputation as an eminent scientist.

Despite many calls from other universities, including Leipzig, Padua, Tübingen, and Vienna, Apianus remained in Ingolstadt until his death.

Although he neglected his teaching duties, the university evidently was proud to host such an esteemed scientist.

INDIES GALLERY We buy and sell antique maps, prints, books and photographs, dating from the fifteenth to the twentieth century. With over 25 years of experience in collecting and trading, our total inventory includes over 8000 authentic antiques. Whether you're an experienced collector or a first-time buyer, we offer an extensive collection in all price ranges.

Apart from private collectors, our clients include institutions such as the National Museum of Singapore, National Library of Singapore, National Library of Australia, The Louvre Abu Dhabi, University of Leiden, and many others.

Based in Singapore & Jakarta

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OUR REPRODUCTIONS We offer our collection as a high-quality reprints, framed and un-framed.

Our primary profession is dealing with authentic, antique maps and prints.

But for years, people have marvelled over our original material, asking if we could make them at a fraction of the cost of the originals. Eventually, we gave in and "Old East Indies - Indonesian Heritage Art Collection" was born.

Contact us to receive our Reproduction Catalogue.

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