Catalog Archive
Auction 128, Lot 593

"Aurelia Franciae civitas ad Ligeri flu: sita.", Braun & Hogenberg

Subject: France, Orleans

Period: 1588 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
17 x 13.5 inches
43.2 x 34.3 cm
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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.

Lovely bird's-eye plan of Orleans with the bridgehead, châtelet des Tourelles, in the foreground that protected one of the most important bridges over the dangerous river. The city's well laid out streets are enclosed within walls and a canal. Among the important buildings are several churches and the university, and a large plaza features a public gallows. Traditional flat-bottom boats are shown in the river and a couple in the foreground illustrates the costume of the inhabitants. German text on verso.

References:

Condition: C+

Original color with some stains. An old repaired tear extends into the female figure's dress in the foreground. Several edge tears and the centerfold have old paper repairs. There is a manuscript ink notation on verso.

Estimate: $250 - $325

Sold for: $150

Closed on 5/20/2009

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