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 plan of Lille based on the work of Jacob van Deventer. The fortified city lies on the river Deûle and was once the capital of Flanders. The 15th century palace of the House of Burgundy is shown at bottom center (#19), and the 14th-15th century Saint-Maurice church is shown within the city's center (#11). Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 221; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #2344.

Condition: A

A nice impression on paper with a large coat of arms watermark, a spot of printer's ink residue near top center, and two tiny worm holes along the centerfold.