"Bornnes [on sheet with] Zahara [and] Zahara", 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 contains three panoramic views of two towns. At top is the settlement of Bornos in the southern province of Cadiz. It is situated on the Guadalete River and at the base of the Sierra del Calvario. A hunting scene fills the foreground. The two views at bottom show the fortified town of Zahara de la Sierra from the southeast (left view) and north (right view). Founded by the Arabs in the 8th century, it became an important station on the road to Granada. Between the two sets of views is Georg Hoefnagel's imprint, dated 1564. Blank verso.

References: Fussel, p. 360; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #567.

Condition: B+

Light overall toning with two dark stains entering the border at left and at bottom. Short centerfold separations confined to the blank margins have been repaired on verso with archival materials. Remnants of hinge tape on verso.