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 splendid view depicts Dordrecht over the Merwede. Numerous locations are numbered in the view, with a key identifying them at bottom left. The Grote Kerk stands tall above the city, while the Gothic town hall (numbered 18) is located centrally. At far left, a building numbered 13 is the location where representatives of Dutch towns declared their independence from Spain and elected William of Orange as leader in 1572. This was the beginning of the Dutch Revolt and the Eighty Years' War. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 156.

Condition: B+

Watermarked paper with light toning along centerfold and a tiny hole along centerfold at top of image. Remargined at right to accommodate framing.