Created in 1521 by the craftsman Jörg Seld, the Map of Augsburg is an exceptional document that offers us a precise and unique overview of the city of Augsburg during the Renaissance. Kept at the British Library in London, it is the first printed map of a city in Northern Europe. This antique map of Germany is not only a technical feat but also an invaluable artistic and historical testimony.
Jörg Seld, a renowned craftsman behind the famous Augsburg Map
Although the exact dates of Jörg Seld's (or Jörg Sneld) life are not known with precision, it is estimated that he was born around 1454 and died around 1527. Initially trained as a goldsmith, we know from the city's tax books that he became a craftsman in 1478. His reputation grew thanks to remarkable achievements, including the silver altar of Augsburg Cathedral, which has now disappeared.
Seld did not limit himself to goldsmithing. Passionate about the architectural evolution of his city, he played an active role in the transition from Gothic to Renaissance style. Inspired by the urban cartography of Jacopo de Barbari, he created the Map of Augsburg, combining technical precision and artistic vision.
He is the father of Georg Sigismund Seld, lawyer and Imperial Vice-Chancellor.
The Augsburg Map: a technical masterpiece
The Augsburg Plan, also known as the Seld Plan, reflects the technical advances of the Renaissance in cartography. Designed in cavalier perspective, it allows every building and street in the city to be visualized with impressive precision.
The city maps were made by Seld as early as 1514. However, due to the technical limitations of the time, their printing was not immediately possible. His meeting with the engraver Hans Weiditz helped to overcome these obstacles. With the financial support of the banker Jacob Fugger, Seld and Weiditz printed the map in 1521 using eight wooden blocks. The result is an antique map of Germany that remains a remarkable example of the collaboration between art and technology.
Discovering the fascinating details of the Map of Augsburg
A very chauvinistic sign!
In the lower left corner of the map, there is a text intended for observers. It highlights the love for Augsburg and the "homeland" of its inhabitants, illustrating the feeling of local pride that emanated from this time.
A precise and realistic city heart
The Augsburg Map is notable for its level of detail: every street, building and public square is carefully depicted. Even passers-by and horses can be seen, giving the impression of an aerial photograph before its time.
The arms of the city, the Holy Empire and Charles V
The map is full of heraldic symbols. The double-headed eagle, emblem of the Holy Roman Empire, figures prominently alongside the coat of arms of Charles V and that of the city of Augsburg, testifying to the political and cultural importance of the city.
Conclusion
Jörg Seld’s 1521 Map of Augsburg is much more than just an urban representation. It embodies the craftsmanship and technical innovations of the Renaissance, while reflecting the identity and history of Augsburg. This antique map of Germany is today a priceless piece that continues to fascinate historians and cartography enthusiasts. It reminds us that each map is a bridge between past and present, offering a unique vision of our heritage.
Are you passionate about antique maps or the history of Germany ? The Augsburg Map is a must-see to discover and contemplate!