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.

This great plan of the city shows every individual building, the circling moat with numerous bridges, and more. The entire city is surrounded by the fortified wall with many turrets and towers. Strong fortifications were employed to protect Brussels, still the city relied heavily on trade as evidenced by the waterways passing through the walls to permit commerce. Numerous ships are shown entering the city and moored within it. At left is a list of more than fifty important buildings that is keyed to the plan. At lower right the architectural themed cartouche encloses the Latin title. The coat-of-arms for Belgium and the city are displayed at the upper corners. Latin text on verso with page number 14 below the right page.

References: Fussel, p. 70-72; Goss (Cities) #12.

Condition: C+

Original color on watermarked paper with toning, some soiling, and several small centerfold separations that have been closed on verso with old paper. The margins have been trimmed close the neatline on all sides, and there is non-archival tape on the edges of the sheet on verso. There is a small chip in the top right corner and at bottom center, with image replaced in facsimile, and some cracking along the top left side that has been closed with archival tape.