"Anverpia, nobile in Brabantia oppidum, parrim maritimum…", Braun & Hogenberg

This is the smaller of the two plans of Antwerp that were included in Braun & Hogenberg's great city atlas. The bird's-eye plan provides an excellent view of the citadel, city, docks and fortifications. The city was defended by a line of fortification and a moat build by Charles V in 1545 and strengthened by Philip II in 1567. The citadel was built by the Duke of Alba in 1567 to the designs of Luca Paciotto. It was designed to withstand a siege even if the city wall was breached and is separated from the populated city by an expanse of open ground. A great many ships are shown in the Schelde and the city is surrounded by rich farmland. The chart is embellished with cartouches, two coats of arms and four costumed figures standing in the foreground. Latin text on verso.

References:

Condition: A

Attractive, period correct later color.