"Namurcum", 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 fine bird's-eye view of the town of Namur at the confluence of the Sambre and Muese rivers. The city is viewed from the northeast, with the tower of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church looming over the city. German text on verso.

References: Fussel, pp. 153-55; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #2947.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with full contemporary color with the watermark of intertwined pillars. There is minor toning, light soiling, a short crease adjacent to the centerfold near the center of the image, and a few small dampstains along the sides of the sheet. A centerfold separation at bottom and a short tear at top right have been closed on verso with old paper, and there are small remnants of paper tape in the top corners of the sheet on verso.