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 sheet includes three panoramic views of towns in Holland. At top is Groningen with a fortified wall and numerous spires piercing the skyline. At bottom left is the port city of Brouwershaven with a row of ship masts in the background and a large windmill in the foreground. At bottom right is Gorinchem along the Boven Merwede, with several ships on the river. This is the second state, with the text in the cartouche at bottom right changed from "Flandriae Oppidum" to "Hollandiae Oppidum." Latin text on verso, published in the first edition, prior to the addition of plate numbers on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 79; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #1653.

Condition: A

A dark impression on a bright sheet with a bunch of grapes watermark and four worm tracks in the bottom margin that have been archivally repaired.