Sebastian Munster

Place: Ingelheim

Born: 1488

Death: 1552

Biography:

Sebastian Münster, a renowned German cartographer, cosmographer, and Hebrew scholar, was born on January 20, 1488, in Ingelheim, near Mainz. His life's work had a profound impact on the world of geography and beyond. As a professor at the University of Basel, Münster taught and influenced many students, including his fellow cartographers.

Early Life and Education

Münster entered the Franciscan order in 1505 and later studied under Konrad Pelikan for five years. He completed his studies at the University of Tübingen in 1518. His graduate adviser was Johannes Stöffler, a well-known scholar of the time. As Sebastian Münster, he published numerous works, including a highly accurate world map, Cosmographia, which sold well and went through 24 editions. The influence of Cosmographia was widely spread by a production of woodcuts created by various artists, including Hans Holbein the Younger and Urs Graf. This innovation in cartography led to Münster being known as one of the most important cartographers of his time.

Notable Works and Contributions

Some of Münster's notable works include:

• Mappa Europae (1536), a map of Europe
• Rabbinical translation of the Gospel of Matthew in Hebrew (1537)
• Ptolemy's Geographia with illustrations (1540)
• Cosmographia (1544), a description of the world in the German language
• Rudimenta Mathematica (1551), a mathematical treatise

Münster's Cosmographia was one of the most successful and popular works of the 16th century, passing through 24 editions in 100 years. This success can be attributed to the fascinating woodcuts and the introduction of separate maps for each of the four continents known at that time.

Legacy and Impact

Münster's work had a significant impact on the world of geography and beyond. As a Christian Hebraist scholar, he edited the Hebrew Bible (2 vols. fol., Basel, 1534–1535) and published several other works related to Hebrew studies. Münster died at Basel of the plague in 1552. His tombstone describes him as the Ezra and the Strabo of the German people. Today, his legacy can be seen through various paintings and woodcuts depicting him, including works by Hans Holbein d. J. (Basel, c. 1530) and Willem de Haen (1615). To learn more about Sebastian Münster's life and work, visit the Wikioo.org website, which features a comprehensive biography and a list of his notable works, including Cosmographia. You can also find information on his publications, such as Mappa Europae, on the Wikipedia.org website.