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 contains three separate views: Tunis and Mahdia in Tunisia, and Penon de Velez in Morocco. Each depicts a raging battle scene, with Tunis' being fought on land while the other two show ferocious battles at port. Latin text on verso.
References: Fussel, p. 198.
Condition: B+
On watermarked paper with several edge tears at bottom that extend up to 2" into the image that have been professionally repaired on verso. Several centerfold separations and a small hole along the centerfold have also been skillfully repaired. The margins have been trimmed, but are still adequate for framing purposes.