"Schleiswygh", 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.

Superb panoramic view of Schleswig and the Gottorp Castle situated on an artificially enlarged island in the Burgsee, which was separated by a narrow land-bridge from the River Schlei. In the foreground are two pairs of figures in period dress and a large strapwork cartouche with a key to the engraving. The coats of arms in the sky represent the Duke of Holstein-Gottorp at left and the city of Schleswig at right. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, pp. 310-11.

Condition: A

A nice impression with full contemporary color on a bright sheet with a tiny hole in the cartouche at bottom center, minor spots in the top corners of the image, and marginal soiling.