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 presents three views of important Spanish cities. Seville, Spain's most crucial trading center at the time, is shown at top. El Castillo, a fortress and seat of the Inquisition, is in flames at right, and Yglesia maior, the site where Christopher Columbus was buried, is located at center. Figures dance and ride donkeys on the banks the Guadalquivir. Below Seville is a view of Cadiz with fishermen busy at work on the shore. It depicts the old Moorish settlement within the city and also features figures dancing in the foreground. Malaga, another extremely important trading center, appears at bottom with plenty of ships in its harbor. A Moorish fortress built in the 11th century is identified in the center of town. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 50-51.

Condition: B+

On a watermarked sheet with light toning and soiling, a small printer's crease at top right, and a short centerfold separation that has been closed with paper in the bottom blank margin.