Civitates Orbis Terrarum – 1590

Civitates Orbis Terrarum – 1590

Georg Braun's (1541–1622) impressive collection of city views of important cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America is considered the oldest work of its kind. The first Latin edition was published under the title Civitates Orbis Terrarum in six volumes between 1572 and 1617 and was translated into German shortly thereafter. The forth volume of this German edition was printed in 1590 and contains 79 colored city views and maps, including Rome, Ostia, Jerusalem, Bergen, Soest, and Stockholm.

An Significant Historical Source

The masterful copperplate engravings resembling stand-alone panel paintings not only stimulate the mind, but also offer limitless enjoyment to the eye thanks to their lovely design and artistic execution, with the numerous staffage and genre scenes being a particularly charming detail. The work is of outstanding historical importance because it provides a systematic mapping of the structures of many medieval cities, which were either destroyed or severely damaged the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) shortly after its publication and subsequently rebuilt in the Baroque style.

Artistic Teamwork

As the author and editor of the Civitatis Orbis Terrarum, the Cologne theologian, canon, and dean Georg Braun undertook only a few journeys himself. Instead, he was able to obtain many templates through his numerous contacts, which were then initially converted into mostly double- page copperplate engravings by the engraver and etcher Frans Hogenberg (1535–1590), with the Flemish illuminator Georg Hoefnagel (1542–1590) regularly contributing. While the two were responsible for volumes I-IV, Frans' son Abraham and Simon Neuvelt took over volumes V and VI. Each of the wonderful city views is accompanied by descriptions of the geography, history, and economy of the respective city. In addition, there is information about the local coats of arms as well as elevation markers.

Slices of Life

The city views also contain small genre scenes depicting the lives of the inhabitants of these cities engaged in their daily activities, providing readers with insight into how the local population generally earned their livelihood. The farmers work the fields outside the towns, while the fishermen fish in the rivers that they are situated on. Further details such as carriages, ships, and contemporary costumes enliven the exquisite images and convey a realistic impression of everyday life around 1600. This gives us a unique insight into local customs and contemporary fashion.