Article

The Pfinzing atlas of 1594

8 April – 15 November 2019
Cabinet presentation of the map collection
The Pfinzing atlas, created by the Nuremberg trader, mathematician and cartographer Paul Pfinzing (1554 – 1599), forms part of the most important works of cartography produced in Nuremberg in the 16th century. It contains hand-drawn and hand-coloured maps of the imperial city of Nuremberg and its territory, as well as various territorial representations from the private environment of the Pfinzing family.

Surveyor at the measuring table and bird’s eye view of the landscape. Xylograph of Paul Pfinzing, around 1598 | © BSB/ Image Archive

Surveyor at the measuring table and bird’s eye view of the landscape. Xylograph of Paul Pfinzing, around 1598 | © BSB/ Image Archive

Background

The maps document the sovereign claim of the imperial city of Nuremberg, in particular vis-à-vis the margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach. They are based on the survey of distances and angles which Pfinzing carried out in the terrain with the aid of a step counter and a hiking compass and which he subsequently transformed into a map with the aid of a construction table designed by him.

Further information about Paul Pfinzing and the Pfinzing family in the "Deutsche Biographie" (German Biography):
Paul Pfinzing
Pfin(t)zing von Henfenfeld, Nuremberg patrician family

On the cabinet presentation

The Department of Maps and Images presents reproductions of selected maps in the form of a cabinet presentation. The sheets on show are from the facsimile copy produced in 1994 of the original preserved in the Nuremberg state archive.

 

VenueBayerische Staatsbibliothek
In front of the Reading Room for Music, Maps and Images  (1st floor)
Opening hours8 April – 15 November 2019
Monday – Friday   9:00 – 17:00   (closed on bank holidays)
AdmissionAdmission is free.
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