"Marseille", Braun & Hogenberg

Superb plan of the oldest city in France, probably derived from Sebastian Munster's similar plan. The harbor is defended by three large forts, with a floating gate guarding the harbor entrance. The city is dominated by the 12th century cathedral and a cartouche at top contains the key to the major buildings. Levantine trading ships are shown in the surrounding sea and harbor, and people are shown seine fishing from an offshore island.

References: Goss (City) #33.

Condition: B

Lovely old color with slight toning along fold, and an old repair of tear barely entering plate at bottom. Still a fine example of one of the most decorative early city plans.