Catalog Archive
Auction 134, Lot 517

"Urbis Salisburgensis Genvina Descriptio", Braun & Hogenberg

Subject: Salzburg, Austria

Period: 1572 (circa)

Publication: Civitates Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
9.3 x 4.3 inches
23.6 x 10.9 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.

This little view of Salzburg shows the city surrounded by hills, with the huge hilltop castle dominating the view. The view is taken from a 1553 drawing by an unknown artist, which was also the basis of Sebastian Munster's view and the inset of Ortelius' map of Austria.

References:

Condition: B

Trimmed from a folio sheet, with 1/8" or less margins.

Estimate: $160 - $200

Sold for: $120

Closed on 12/1/2010

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