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.

A fine bird's-eye plan of Deventer depicting a network of canals and walls surrounding the medieval city. The city is viewed from the south, on the east bank of the river Ijssel. The large Grote Kerk, or St. Lebuinus Church, dominates the view at center. Numerous windmills are shown at top left, just outside the city walls. Two coats of arms, a strapwork cartouche, and a couple overlooking the city decorate the sheet. French text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 242.

Condition: B+

A fine impression on watermarked paper with light toning and a few short tears along edges of sheet, far from image.