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 Caiazzo shows the fortified city from the southwest. A fortress sits on a hill above the city, while several monasteries and villages dot the surrounding countryside. Adorned with a decorative cartouche, a blank coat of arms, and an incomplete compass rose. This is the first state, prior to the addition of a block of text at bottom right and an additional caption above the view. Latin text on verso, published between 1596-97.

References: Fussel, p. 430; Van der Krogt (Vol. IV) #733.

Condition: B+

Full contemporary color on a watermarked sheet with toning along the centerfold and a couple of tiny tears in the top margin that have been closed on verso with archival tape. Small remnants of hinge tape on verso.