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.

A lovely bird's-eye view of the port city of Kiel on Germany’s Baltic Sea coast. The city is centered on the Gothic church of St. Nicholas, while the church of the Holy Spirit is at left. Costumed figures fill the foreground while the sky is filled with two cartouches and a coat of arms. French text on verso.

References: Fussel, pp. 307-309.

Condition: A

A sharp impression on a bright sheet with a small coat of arms watermark, few tiny worm holes in the image, and minor toning along the centerfold.