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 panoramic views of two lovely towns in southern Spain. The upper view shows the town of Lebrija situated at the base of an old castle. This area was known for its oils, with olive trees and two large oil jugs shown in the foreground. The lower view depicts the town of Settenil de las Bodegas, which was built upon a mountaintop overlooking the Rio Trejo. According to the text on verso, the town "has more houses in underground caves, hewn into the rock, than houses rising above ground." Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 208.

Condition: A

A crisp impression on watermarked paper with a few dampstains confined to the blank margins.