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 contains two captivating bird’s-eye plans. The left-hand view depicts Leeuwarden in 1580, with De Oldehove, an unfinished Gothic church tower, at far left. Four costumed figures are shown in the foreground. The right-hand view shows Franeker, situated about 20 kilometers west of Leeuwarden. The Gothic Martinikerk is illustrated in the center of the main market square. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, pp. 242-43; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #2253.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with full contemporary color on a lightly toned sheet with the watermark of Claudon Vincent. There is light soiling and a 1.5" centerfold separation in the middle of the image that has been closed on verso with archival tape.