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 includes two views of Urbino and a bird's-eye plan of Sulmona. The upper view at left depicts Urbino and the Palazzo Ducale from the southwest, while the lower view shows the city from the northeast. Sulmona, the birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid, is illustrated with walled fortifications surrounding the city. Several important churches are visible, including the San Francesco della Scarpa and Santa Maria della Tomba. French text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 331.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on paper with a coat of arms watermark, light toning, and a small paper flaw in the image at top left.