Catalog Archive
Auction 133, Lot 543

"Famagusta", Braun & Hogenberg

Subject: Cyprus

Period: 1572 (circa)

Publication: Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Vol I

Color: Hand Color

Size:
9 x 6.2 inches
22.9 x 15.7 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.

Famagusta, the important fortified city on Cyprus is illustrated here in bird's-eye format. The city's towers, bulwarks and double walls are shown with various types of ships in its important harbor. The city had been ruled by the Genoese until it was captured by the Ottomans in 1571, just prior to publication of the Civitates. Trimmed from a folio sheet, with 1/8" or better margins.

References: Fussel p. 122.

Condition: A

Estimate: $150 - $200

Sold for: $190

Closed on 9/1/2010

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