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.

Handsome view of the fortified city of Luxembourg adorned with two coats-of-arms, strapwork cartouche and a well-dressed Luxembourg couple in the foreground. The city was built during the Roman era at a Roman road intersection. Due to its location and natural geography it has through history been a place of strategic military significance. The first fortifications were built as early as the 10th century and by the 16th century, Luxembourg was one of the strongest fortifications in Europe. German text on verso.

References: Fussel, pp. 218-20.

Condition: B

Original color with the top and bottom margins extended to better accommodate framing. There are a few cracks in the image at right due to oxidation of the green pigment that have been partially repaired on verso with archival material. Light toning.