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 handsome view of the fortified city of Luxembourg is adorned with two coats-of-arms, a strapwork title cartouche, and a well-dressed Luxembourg couple in the foreground (removed from the later state published by Jansson and heirs). The city was built during the Roman era at a Roman road intersection. Due to its location and natural geography it has been a place of strategic military significance throughout history. The first fortifications were built as early as the 10th century and by the 16th century, Luxembourg was one of the strongest fortifications in Europe. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, pp. 218-20; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #2500.

Condition: A

A nice impression on a bright sheet with a crozier watermark. There are a couple small wormholes, a tiny rust spot at top right, and minor offsetting along the centerfold.