"Ostenda", 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 superb bird's-eye view overlooks the fortified city of Oostende during the Dutch Revolt. The view looks out to sea in a northwesterly direction with Dutch galleons bringing troops and provisions to the fort, which was under siege by Spanish Hapsburg troops. The tent of the Habsburg commander is at bottom left, and the Habsburg troops are already within the third defense wall in the southeast. The marketplace can be seen at the center of the city, with the Sint-Pieterskerk just below. The view is based on an engraving by Floris Balthasarsz Berckenrode from 1604. The Spanish succeeded in gaining control of the city in September 1604. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, pp. 447 & 450-51; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #3167.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with full contemporary color on a watermarked sheet with a tiny abrasion in the image at bottom center and another along the centerfold in the top border. There is a small hole in the centerfold at top that has been closed on verso with archival tape.