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.

Braun & Hogenberg's handsome bird's-eye view presents Riga, the capital of Livonia and a major trade city, from the vantage of the Daugava. It originally appeared on the same sheet as a plan view of Konigsberg (Kaliningrad). There is excellent architectural detail, with Riga Castle, the cathedrals of St. James, St. Mary, and St. Peter, the town hall, and the Schwarzhaupterhaus all prominently depicted. Small figures traverse between the city walls and the Daugava, and several vessels fill the river in the foreground. The title is contained in a lovely strapwork cartouche at bottom right. French text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 249; Van der Krogt (Vol IV) #2011.

Condition: B+

A crisp impression on a watermarked sheet that has been trimmed from the Konigsberg plan along the neatline at top, with old paper added to extend the upper margin. There are a few printer's creases around the centerfold, a couple minor spots, and a tiny hole in the title cartouche.