"Tiena, Brabantiae Opp: ad Amnem Geta, unde Casei…", 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 is the lovely bird's-eye city plan of Tienen from Braun and Hogenberg's monumental work, the first systematic city atlas. At one point one of the most populous cities in Brabant, Tienen was severely impacted by the wars of 16th century and was nearly decimated in 1635. The engraving depicts the Sint-Germanus cathedral, houses, churches, gardens, walls, gates, and surrounding canal. There is a decorative strapwork title cartouche at bottom right. A gentleman and lady display the local attire in the foreground at left. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 226.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with light scattered foxing, a couple small stains, some printer's ink residue, and a few printer's creases at right.