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 contains panoramic views of three German cities. On the banks of the Neckar River, the view of Heidelberg is dominated by the church of the Holy Ghost. In the view of Speyer, along the Rhine River, the imperial cathedral Das Munster is shown at center. The fortified city of Worms, also along the Rhine, is filled with churches, many of which are named in the view. French manuscript text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 91.

Condition: B+

Attractive color on watermarked paper with some show-through of text on verso and four small holes in bottom portion of image that have been professionally repaired.