"Arnsberg", Braun & Hogenberg

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 panoramic view of Arnsberg is dominated by the city's castle at far left, which looms over the "old city" and the "new city." At far right is the Winckhusen monastery, which later became the abbey of Wedinghausen. In the foreground are the Ruhr River, several noblemen, a knight, and a farmer. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, pp. 298-300; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #251.

Condition: B+

A bright sheet with a coat of arms watermark, light toning along the centerfold, and archival repairs to a few tiny separations along the centerfold. There was a printer's crease at bottom right, which has since been flattened, causing the neatline not to match up any longer.