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 lovely panoramic view depicts the town of Cochem as viewed from the east along the Moselle River. The 11th century Reichsburg Cochem castle sits on a hill above the city, and the St. Martin's Church steeple rises high above the city. This view was originally printed on a sheet above a plan of Munstermaifeld, which has been trimmed from the sheet. Latin text on verso, published between 1596-97.

References: Fussel, p. 377; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #902.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with full contemporary color on a bright sheet with a paper flaw in the right margin. Trimmed at bottom to the neatline.