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 engraving depicts the city of Orleans as seen from the south. It is located at a strategic point on the Loire with its important bridge. In the center, rising above the city, is Sainte-Croix cathedral. Villagers are shown doing laundry in the river, and in the foreground are a man hauling wood and a genteel couple. Drawn by Georg Hoefnagel. This view was originally published above a view of Bourges, which has been trimmed from this sheet. Latin text on verso.

References: Fussel, p. 139; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #3201.

Condition: B+

A nice impression with light toning and a few spots of foxing in the image. Th edges of the sheet have been archivally reinforced on verso. Trimmed at bottom close to neatline.