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 handsome bird's-eye plan depicts the town of Nijmegen from the right bank of the Waal River near the German border. Nijmegen is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. At left is the Valkhof Palace, which was built by Charlemagne in the 8th century, and the ruins of which can still be visited today. At right is the 13th century Gothic church Sint-Stevenskerk. French text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 166.

Condition: B+

A nice impression and attractive color on watermarked paper with light toning.