Catalog Archive
Auction 164, Lot 705

"Algerii Saracenorum Urbis fortissimae, in Numidia Africae Provincia s Tructae, iuxta Balearicos fluctus Maeditereranei aequoris Hispaniam contra Othomanor Pricipu imperio redactae, imago", Braun & Hogenberg

Subject: Algiers, Algeria

Period: 1575 (circa)

Publication: Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Vol. II

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.5 x 13.8 inches
49.5 x 35.1 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

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.

A superb and detailed plan of the city of Algiers with its surrounding fortifications and estates. A figure at bottom, dressed in turban and kaftan, symbolizes that this once important port of the Kingdom of Aragon is now ruled by the Ottoman Empire. A key at bottom identifies the important sites including five great mosques. French text on verso.

References: Fussel, pp. 199-201.

Condition: B+

A dark impression with several light stains near the center and top of the sheet.

Estimate: $400 - $500

Sold for: $300

Closed on 9/13/2017

Archived