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 presents panoramic views of three cities in western Germany. At top is Münster with the sky punctuated by churches and steeples, including the Überwasser church, the cathedral of St Paul's, St Lambert's church, and St Ludgerius's church. In the middle is Osnabrück depicted from Klushügel hill, with great detail of the churches in the city, including the Gothic church of St Catherine at center. At bottom is Wesel at the confluence of the Lippe and Rhine Rivers, with the St Willibrod's cathedral shown at left. This is the first state, prior to the addition of "Cum Privilegio" at bottom right in the Osnabrück view. Latin text on verso, published in the first edition, prior to the addition of plate numbers on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 80; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #2902.

Condition: B+

A nice impression on a bright sheet with a bunch of grapes watermark, a small stain in the middle view and a faint damp stain that enters the image at top center. There is one small worm track in the top view and four archivally repaired worm tracks confined the bottom margin.