"Vegel [on sheet with] Velis Malaga", 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 sheet includes two views of towns in southern Spain. The top view shows Vejer de la Frontera with the Strait of Gibraltar and the African shoreline shown in the background. A sea battle wages in the Bay of Gibraltar. At bottom right are a shepherd and a man leading a horse. The lower view depicts Velez-Malaga, which is located east of Malaga. The Moorish fortress is on a hill overlooking the town. French text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 140.

Condition: A+

A clean and bright example.