"[Untitled - Jerusalem]", 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 attractive birds-eye view of Jerusalem shows the city as it was during biblical times at left, and as it was in the 16th century at right. There are numbered and lettered keys identifying numerous locations. In the lower right corner is an illustration of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, pp. 124-25.

Condition: B

There are three small infilled holes in left blank margin, and one in cartouche at top left. The centerfold has been reinforced with archival material, there is some minor creasing at bottom left, and there are a few stains in the image. Remnants of hinge tape on verso.