"Mons Calvariae", 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 lovely view shows the annual pilgrimage site along the recreated trails of the Passion of Christ in a small town southeast of Krakow. In 1600-04, Mikolaj Zebrzydowski, the Voivode of Crakow, had a calvary created based on the holy sites around Jerusalem. The cartouche at top left includes a portrait of Pope Paul V and explains that he "found this place worthy of his blessing and rich favors." Latin text on verso, published in 1617-18.

References: Fussel, pp. 481 & 483; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #2015.

Condition: B+

A bright sheet with a small horn watermark, light offsetting, and two small holes along the centerfold in the image at top and bottom.