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 Lubeck and Hamburg. At top is Lubeck on the Baltic Sea, known as "the City of Seven Spires" with the Gothic churches looming high above the city, each of which is labeled. At bottom is Hamburg along the Elbe River with its important churches also labeled, and a number of vessels in the river to illustrate the importance of this commercial port. French text on verso.

References: Fussel, pp. 84-86; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #2482.

Condition: A

Full contemporary color on a sheet with a horn coat of arms watermark, a couple of printer's creases, light printer's ink residue, and marginal toning.