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 separate panoramic views of Mons in Belgium and Arras in France. Nine locations are identified in the view of Mons, including the Grand Palace and the collegiate church of Sainte-Waudru. In the view of Arras, the Gothic town hall and its grandiose belfry reach high above the city. This is the second state. Latin text on verso, published in 1582 or 1588.

References: Fussel, p. 61; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #2829.

Condition: B+

A dark impression with full contemporary color on paper with the watermark of Claudon Vincent. There is some printer's ink residue, a printer's crease at left, light soiling, a few tiny abrasions in the image, and a short tear in the bottom blank margin that has been closed on verso with old paper. A centerfold separation that enters 3" into image at bottom was previously closed on verso with non-archival tape, resulting in minor stains on recto. The tape has since been removed and the separation has been archivally repaired with old paper.