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 sheet includes lovely views of Kleve, Emmerich, and Genappe, as well as a bird's-eye plan of Duisburg. The Gothic St. Saviour's church is shown centrally in the plan of Duisburg. The view of Kleve is dominated by the castle of the Counts and Dukes of Kleves (now known as Schwanenburg) and by the church of St. Mary's Assumption. Two large churches rise above the city in the view of Emmerich - St. Martin and St. Aldegund. The last view is of Genappe, Belgium, located south of Brussels. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 171.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with attractive, old color and a couple of tiny spots. There are two tiny holes - one along the centerfold and the other along the bottom of the title cartouche at top left.