"Magdeburgum", 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 handsome bird's-eye view depicts the fortified city of Magdeburg, one of the most important cities in Europe during medieval times. Shown along the Elbe River, this city was the capital of Saxony (now Saxony-Anhalt). At far right is the Cathedral of Saints Catherine and Maurice (Der Dom), which was the first gothic church built in Germany. Further to the left is St. John's Church and the Magdeburger Reiter, the first equestrian statue north of the Alps when erected in 1240. The Magdeburg coat of arms appears adjacent to the title, balanced by a decorative cartouche and four locals who appear below the view. This is the second state with the privilege added at bottom right. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 89; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #2564.

Condition: B+

Full contemporary color with light toning on a sheet with a large eagle watermark. There are minor cracks that have been professionally repaired on verso with a bit of loss adjacent to the figures at bottom with the image replaced in facsimile.