Braun & Hogenberg's Civitates Orbis Terrarum or "Cities of the World" was published between 1572 and 1617. Within the six volumes, 531 towns and cities were depicted on 363 plates, providing the reader with the pleasures of travel without the attendant discomforts. Braun wrote in the preface to the third book, "What could be more pleasant than, in one's own home far from all danger, to gaze in these books at the universal form of the earth . . . adorned with the splendor of cities and fortresses and, by looking at pictures and reading the texts accompanying them, to acquire knowledge which could scarcely be had but by long and difficult journeys?" Braun and Hogenberg incorporated an astonishing wealth of information into each scene beyond the city layout and important buildings. The plates provide an impression of the economy and prominent occupations, and illustrate local costumes, manners and customs.

In 1577 Abraham Ortelius and Georg Hoefnagle traveled throughout Italy resulting in Hoefnagle's numerous depictions of towns and landscapes in Braun and Hogenberg's great topographical work. This unusual sheet presents an exceptional panoramic view of the Bay of Pozzuoli with Miseno and Procida in the background. The scene is beautifully adorned with a garland of flowers and fruit forming an exquisite border. At bottom are panels of Latin text describing the view together with a homage by Hoefnagel to his friend Abraham Ortelius. The view includes a depiction of Ortelius and Hoefnagle on a hill overlooking the bay. French text on verso.

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Condition: B

The paper is lightly toned and there are some paper tape repairs of several marginal tears, a couple of which just enter the map border.