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 bird's-eye view of Aachen shows the city surrounded by the original walls (built in 1172) and the outer walls (built from 1257 to 1357). The open marketplace, the Gothic facade of the town hall and the cathedral are shown in the center with town houses lining the wide streets and squares. The map is embellished with a title cartouche, two coats of arms, and costumed figures in the foreground. This is the second state, with "Cum Privilegio" added at bottom left. Latin text on verso, published in the first edition, prior to the addition of plate numbers on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 68; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #2.

Condition: A

A dark, early impression on a bright sheet with the pillars watermark of Edmond Denise. There is a hint of toning along the centerfold, two small worm holes along the centerfold, and a faint dampstain in the top margin.