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.

A splendid panoramic view of Windsor engraved by Georg Hoefnagel. Windsor Castle is viewed from the north with the distinctive walls, towers and battlements of the royal castle dominating the skyline. The view is embellished with a stag hunt, a shepherd and his sheep, and a group of scholars and courtiers in the foreground. Latin text on verso. This engraving was cut from a sheet that previously included a view of Oxford.

References: Fussel, pp. 136-38; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #3253.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with full contemporary color on a lightly toned sheet with a coat of arms watermark. There is minor soiling and an extraneous crease adjacent to the centerfold that has been archivally reinforced on verso. Remargined at top, with two small pieces of tape along the far edges of the sheet, likely from a previous framing.