The Only Map in Braun and Hogenberg's Atlas of Town Views

"Danorum Marca, uel Cimbricum, aut Daniae Regnum...", 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 striking map of Denmark by Marcus Jordan is the only actual map featured in Braun and Hogenberg's epochal city atlas. It extends from the northern regions of Germany to the southern section of present-day Sweden, and includes a wealth of town names and a detailed depiction of Denmark's many waterways. Two dueling sea monsters appear in the ocean, along with a ship and several notations referring to battles and local features. There are a total of four decorative cartouches, including a dedication to Count Heinrich von Rantzau, the Danish governor in Schleswig-Holstein and a friend to Braun, at top right. The politician helped Braun by giving him access to several documents with views of the northern cities. Rantzau's coat of arms is supported by Athena and Ares on the cartouche at bottom right. Latin text on verso. This is an early edition prior to the bottom left corner of the plate breaking off, as is common with most editions.

References: Fussel p. 302; Ginsberg p. 105 & #24.9.

Condition: A

A nice impression with light soiling primarily confined to the blank margins and a short tear in bottom blank margin. Remnants of hinge tape on verso.