Braun & Hogenberg

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Georg Braun and Franz Hogenberg's Civitates Orbis Terrarum, is recognized as one of the greatest achievements of late 16th and early 17th century European cartography. For the first time, a publication afforded the viewer a comprehensive visual of the major European cities and settlements in an organized and detailed fashion. Published in Cologne, Germany in a series of six volumes, the Civitates was produced between 1572 and 1618 when the final volume was completed. The editions appeared in Latin, German and French issues. Georg Braun [1541-1622] was a canon of Cologne Cathedral and was responsible for the descriptions for each of the plates in the series as well as the introductions for each volume. Braun conceived the idea of the publication and sought the advise of many artists and printers of the time in Europe. Amongst the contributors were Flemish painter and draftsman, Joris Hoefnagel and his son Jakob. Hendrik van Schoel; the surveyor Jacob van Deventer of the Netherlands; the English cartographer William Smith as well as Heinrich Rantzau, to mention a few of the ones involved with the project. Special emphasis should be noted with Joris Hoefnagel [1542-1600] who was one of the most significant contributors to the Civitates.

The engraving and printing of the six volumes fell to the efforts of Franz Hogenberg [1535-1590] and to Simon Novellanus. Hogenberg was a close confident of both Gerard Mercator and Abraham Ortelius and was the engraver used by Ortelius for his Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. Later issues of the volumes were produced from the original copperplates by Dutch surveyor and cartographer Johannes Jansson from 1653. After several exchanges the printing plates were sold at auction and purchased by Frederick de Wit. He then re-worked the plates and published variations under his banner. Others who had some involvement with the series included Pieter van der Aa of Leiden. The prints we offer are either the first or second state of the printings. Most are strong images and in very good condition.

Purchase any of the below prints and receive a Free copy of the publication Cities of the Renaissance World by Michael Swift and Angus Konstam (2008). See the publication under “Rare Prints, Books & Catalogs Section”.

21.00 Mexico, Regia et Celebris Hispaniae Novae Civitas [and] Cusco, Peru in novo orbe caput, c1572, by Braun & Hogenberg, Cologne

From part one of the six parts published between 1572 and 1617 of the Civitates Orbis Terrarum. This image is the only view to depict cities in the New World. The sheet has two images; the first is Mexico City with a detailed plan of the city which was the center of Aztec and Inca cultures in the 16^th century. The second image is of Cusco, Peru depicting the Inca city at the time of Spanish conquest. Native figures in the foreground appear carrying the Inca King aloft on a covered throne. The print is rated Excellent [see our rating criteria on the Home Page] with a good and strong impression. It measures approximately (10.6"x 18.5" - 26.9 x 47.1 cm). ***SOLD***

21.21 Salzburgk ... Recens et accuratissima urbis Salisburgensis delineatio, ca 1657, by Braun & Hogenberg, Cologne

A beautiful panoramic view of the city as seen from the Kapuzinerberg across the Salzach River. The large hilltop in the distance with it's castle dominates the landscape. There is a key to 37 locations set within a strapwork cartouche. From the greatest publication of the times; the Civitates was compiled and written by George Braun, Canon of Cologne Cathedral. The publication produced some 500 city views / maps published in six parts between 1572 and 1617. Most of the engravings were made by Simon Novellanus and Frans Hogenberg, many after the drawings of Joris Hoefnagel. This is an edition by Jansson. With later color, the print is rated Excellent [see our rating criteria on the Home Page] having only normal age toning. The print measures approximately (13.0" x 19.9" - 50.5 x 33.0 cm). ***SOLD***

22.12 Tiena, Brabantiae ...... (Belgium), ca 1580, by Braun & Hogenberg, Cologne

A bird-eye view of the city of Tienen from the Civitates Orbis Terrarum [Cities of the World] first published in 1572 with six volumes until 1618. Some 531 towns and cities were depicted on 363 plates. Braun, Hogenberg and others incorporated an amazing amount of information into each scene that included buildings and the dress in figures that embellished many of the views and maps. The map is rated Very Good [see our rating criteria on the Home Page] with a split noted at the center fold bottom, not affecting the image. It measures approximately (16.1" x 13.0" - 40.7 x 33.1 cm). $350. ($12. shipping / handling / ins. - foreign postage addnl.)

22.18 City of Roan, France, c1575, by George Braum / Frans Hogenberg, Cologne

A detailed panoramic view of Roan, France giving great detail of the buildings and countryside from the joint publication by Braum / Hogenberg the Civitates Orbis Terrarum 1572- 90. The publication reflects the vast amount of information Braum collected for over 500 European city plans / views / maps published in six volumes between 1572 and 1617. Most of the engravings were made by Simon Novellanus and Frans Hogenberg. The print is rated Very Good [see our rating criteria on the Home Page] with the print cut close to the neatline and measures approximately (5.1" x 18.8") accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. $350. ($12. shipping / handling / ins. - foreign postage addnl.)

22.19 Magdeburgum a Venere qvae ....... Metropolitica Saxomiae vrbs..., 1580, by Braun & Hogenberg, Cologne

Panoramic view of Maagdenburg, from his town book. The print is from one of the greatest publications of it's generation, Civitates Orbis Terrarum. Written and complied by George Braun, Canon of Cologne Cathedral. Braun gathered together vast amounts of information and draft plans to produce over 500 city views / maps published in six parts between 1572 and 1617. Most of these engravings were accomplished by Simon Novellanus and Frans Hogenberg; many after drawings by Joris Hoefnagel. The print is rated Very Good with no apparent flaws uncolored and measures approximately (12.5" x 18.6"). ***SOLD***

22.21 Soest / Warborch, c1575, by George Braun / Frans Hogenberg, Cologne

Two views on one sheet of Soest and Warborch in northern Germany. From one of the greatest publications of the 16^th century; the Civitates was complied and written by George Braun who gathered vast amounts of information and then produced some 500 city plans, views and maps. Braun, Canon of Cologne Cathedral, produced his works in six parts between 1572 and 1617. The engravings were accomplished by Simon Novellanus and Frans Hogenberg, many from drawings by Joris Hoefnagel. The print is rated Excellent [see our rating criteria on the Home Page] was no apparent flaws and measures approximately (13.1" x 18.5" - 33.1 x 47.0 cm). $595. ($12. shipping / handling / ins. - foreign postage addnl.)

22.25 Nurnberga, urbs noblissima, totius quasi Germani ..., c1575, by Braun & Hogenberg, Cologne

A fine panoramic view of Nuremberg, from the magnificent city atlas, Civitates Orbis Terrarum published in six sections between 1572 and 1617 by George Braun, Canon of Cologne Cathedral and engraved by Frans Hogenberg as well as Simon Novellanus. Many of the some 500 city views / maps were from drawings by Joris Hoefnagel. The print is rated Excellent [see our rating criteria on the Home Page] with a good and dark impression and no apparent flaws other than normal aging. It measures approximately ( 13.4" x 18.5" - 34.0 x 47.0 cm). $820. ($12. shipping / handling / ins. - foreign postage addnl.)