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 two bird's-eye views of German cities with lovely costumed figures and men on horseback in the foreground. At top is Dresden with several key buildings named, including the Pfar Kirchen, the Protestant church where the Reformation was officially introduced to the city in 1539 by Henry the Pious. At bottom is the city of Leipzig, with the famous St. Nicholas Church depicted at right. French manuscript text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 86.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with attractive color on watermarked paper, minor soiling, and light show-through of manuscript text on verso.