"Catana Urbs Siciliae Clarissima Patria Scte. Agathae Virginis et Mart", Braun & Hogenberg

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 stunning panoramic view of Catania depicts the famous town from the south, with the volcano, Mt. Etna, erupting directly behind it. There are 49 important sites identified in and around the fortified city, with a numbered key at bottom. The cathedral of Sant'Agata, who was born in Catania and is the town's patron saint, stands tall in the foreground of the city. The town was completely destroyed by Mt. Edna in 1669 and by an earthquake in 1693, and was rebuilt using black lava stone. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 428-430.

Condition: A

Marginal soiling.