Woodcut topographical map of Tours in the style of Sebastian Münster

This item appears to be a double-page monochromatic woodcut print of the city of Tours, France, bound within a book. The illustration is stylistically consistent with 16th-century German cartography, specifically works found in Sebastian Münster’s Cosmographia, though this attribution remains a hypothesis pending expert verification of the specific edition. The heading at the top is printed in a Fraktur typeface, reading 'Die abcontrafectur der schönen vnd Edlen Statt Tours.' The central image provides a bird's-eye view of the city with topographic details, surrounded by an elaborate Renaissance-style border featuring allegorical figures, architectural elements, and grotesque masks. A legend at the bottom, titled 'Verzeichnus der fürnemsten Oertern dieser Statt,' lists notable landmarks alphabetically from A to M. The paper shows age-related characteristics, including visible foxing, yellowing, and a distinct vertical center fold where the sheets meet the binding. The ink remains dark, though some areas show signs of wear or fading consistent with an antique printed work. Small marginal notations such as 'cxix' and 'ccbiij' suggest page or plate numbering within a larger volume. Identification is based on visual typographical and stylistic features typical of the period, but without physical forensic analysis of the paper and ink, the exact origin cannot be stated with absolute certainty.

Based on the provided images, I have examined this double-page monochromatic woodcut print of the city of Tours. I cannot physically inspect the paper or ink, so my assessment remains a working hypothesis. The print is stylistically consistent with 16th-century German cartography, bearing similarities to works found in Sebastian Münster’s Cosmographia. The paper displays age-related characteristics like visible foxing, yellowing, and a center fold typical of bound leaves. The Fraktur typography and Renaissance-style borders align with the period, but without physical forensic analysis, this attribution cannot be stated with absolute confidence. Demand for early topographical woodcuts is steady among map collectors and antiquarians. Assuming this hypothesis holds true and the leaf dates to the 16th century, comparable map prints generally trade in the $150 to $300 range at retail or auction, factoring in the current condition noted. This estimated value depends heavily on expert validation. An in-person examination by an antiquarian specialist, along with proper paper and ink analysis, is necessary to determine its exact origin and printing date. If this piece turns out to be a later reproduction or a modern facsimile in the style of early maps, the market value would be significantly lower, typically between $20 and $50 as a decorative object.