Early Woodcut Map of Franconia and Surrounding Regions, 1628

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Title: Early Woodcut Map of Franconia and Surrounding Regions, 1628 Franconia (Franckenlande) is a region in Germany. Historically, Franconia was … Read more Title: Early Woodcut Map of Franconia and Surrounding Regions, 1628 Franconia (Franckenlande) is a region in Germany. Historically, Franconia was a significant part of the Holy Roman Empire and is now mostly located in the northern part of the modern state of Bavaria, with some parts extending into the states of Baden-Württemberg and Thuringia. The map depicts cities and towns that are part of the historical Franconia region, such as Würzburg, Bamberg, and Nuremberg, which are all located within Germany today. The Main River, which flows through Franconia, is also a key geographic feature of the region. This early woodcut map, titled "Franckenlande am Mayn beschrieben nach aller gelegenheit / Stetten / Bergen / Waessern / Waelden und anstossenden Ländern," provides an intricate depiction of Franconia (Franckenland) and its surroundings in central Germany during the 16th century. The map captures the course of the Main River, highlighting cities, towns, mountains, forests, and rivers that define the region. The map features dense settlements across Franconia and surrounding areas, including well-known cities like Würzburg, Bamberg, and Nuremberg, giving an insight into the region's urban distribution at the time. The detailed depiction of mountains, forests, and water bodies, illustrated in typical woodcut style, emphasizes the geographical diversity of the region. Additionally, the artistic labeling of the towns and landscapes shows the characteristic cartographic craftsmanship of the Renaissance period. The text at the top of the map describes the geography of Franconia, mentioning the importance of the river and the fertile lands along its banks, with their abundance of resources. Here is the translation for both text blocks: 1. "Das edle Franckenlandt / hat einen herrlichen Fluss der Mayn genampt / der hat zween entsprung / an der Gegenseite Ficht-bergs: Der ein heißt der Weiße Mayn / rinnet von Gefrees auff Stein; Der Rote Mayn entspringt bey Pernect am anstoß des Behmer Walds." Translation: "The noble Franconia / has a splendid river called the Main / which has two sources / at the edge of the Fichtel Mountains: One is called the White Main / which flows from Gefrees to Stein; the Red Main springs near Bischofsgrün at the foot of the Bohemian Forest." 2. "Der Weiß und Rote Mayn kommen zusamen zwischen Steina und Roting / fleußt demnach der ganze Mayn / durch viel trümmernde Bamberg auff Naßfurt / Schweinfurt / Kitzing / Würzburg / Gemünd / Murenburg / Franckfurt und geges Meynz in den Rhey." Translation: "The White and Red Main converge between Steina and Roting / then flows as the Main River / through many places including Bamberg to Naßfurt / Schweinfurt / Kitzingen / Würzburg / Gemünden / Miltenberg / Frankfurt and towards Mainz into the Rhine." Condition report: The map is in well-preserved condition, with slight toning and minimal foxing around the edges. The woodcut lines remain sharp and clear, and the details are well-maintained, providing an excellent example of early cartographic work from the 16th century. See less