"Granata", 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 splendid view of Granada was drawn by Georg Hoefnagel in 1565. A Moorish city for nearly 800 years, Granada is comprised of three main districts described in the key within the cartouche; Granada proper at left, Albaicin on the hill just left of center, and Antequerela directly below the magnificent Alhambra fortress. The city is viewed from the west and the foreground in filled with farmers tilling their fields, travelers on the road, and a group of young maidens singing and dancing. The city's name is said to be derived from the Spanish word granada (pomegranate), a branch of which suspends the key cartouche. Latin text on verso. Two cracks in the plate are visible at top, to the left of the title.

References: Fussel pp. 361-63; Goss (Cities) #29.

Condition: B

A slightly uneven impression with moderate toning, light soiling, and a few tiny holes.