"Claudiopolis Coloswar Vulgo Clausenburg Transilvaniae Civitas Primaria", 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.

A lovely panoramic view of the capital of Transylvania from the northwest with the Gothic cathedral of St. Michael piercing the skyline. The costumed figures in the foreground represent two married ladies of nobility on the left and a maiden on the right. Engraved by Georg Hoefnagel. German text on verso, published in 1618.

References: Fussel, p. 479; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #898.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with full contemporary color and light toning along the centerfold. The sheet has been trimmed just within the outer neatline at right and left, now professionally remargined to accommodate framing.