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 beautifully rendered bird's-eye view shows Lisbon from the sea with several three-masted sailing ships and many smaller local boats in the foreground and in the port, an indication of the city's importance as the hub of the Portuguese colonial empire. It is an excellent record of what the city looked like before a majority of it was decimated in the earthquake of 1755. A Roman colonia until 407 BC, Lisbon was then occupied by the Alaric, Visigoths, and the Moors at different times over the next 178 years. Various raids and occupations took place until 1390 when it became an archbishopric. The sixteenth century saw the city's status grow as the Portuguese established their empire in India, the Far East, and Africa; the affluence and vibrancy of the city is evident on this view. Braun and Hogenberg's view locates notable buildings including the Castelo de Sao Jorge, the Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora, the Nossa Senhora do Monte, and the Lisbon Cathedral. Below the view a large table, which continues into the upper corners, identifies 140 important buildings by number.

References: Fussel, pp. 346-47 & 350; Goss (Cities) pp. 66-67.

Condition: B+

There is light toning, minor scattered foxing, and a small worm hole at bottom left that has been closed on verso with archival materials.