18th Century and Earlier Art

Braun G. and Hogenberg F., Nordlingen from the collection "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Image dimensions: 10.5 x 23.5 cm; dimensions: 10.5 x 26.3 cm....

This is a 16th century original hand-colored copperplate engraved map of a bird's-eye View of Embden, Germany entitled " Emuda, vulgo Embden vrbs Frisia orientalis primaria" by Georg Braun & Franz Hogenberg, in volume II of their famous city atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", published in Cologne, Germany in 1575. This is a beautifully colored and detailed map of Emden, a seaport in northwestern Germany, along the Ems River and perhaps portions of over Dollart Bay, near the border with the Netherland. The map depicts a bird's-eye view of the city from the southwest, as well as a view of the harbor and an extensive system of canals. Numerous ships of various sizes, as well as two rowboats containing numerous occupants are seen in the main waterway in the foreground and additional boats line two canals in the center of the city. Two men and two women are shown on a hill in the foreground on the right, dressed in the 16th century style of nobility. Two ornate crests are included in each corner. A title strap-work cartouche is in the upper center with the title in Latin. The crest on the right including Engelke up de Muer (The Little Angel on the Wall) was granted by Emperor Maximilian I in 1495. This is an English translation of an excerpt of Braun's description of Embden: "In Emden, the capital of East Frisia, rich merchants live in very fine houses. The city has a broad and well-situated harbour, which in my opinion is unique in Holland. Frisia and the whole of the Netherlands, for the ships can anchor here right under the city walls. They have also extended the harbour as far as the New Town, so that up to 400 ships can now find shelter here when the sea is rough." The emphasis on the harbor and waterways within the city highlights the importance of Emden's place as a seaport at this time. Embden developed from a Dutch/Flemish trading settlement in the 7th-8th centuries into a city as late as late 14th century. In 1494 it was granted staple rights, and in 1536 the harbour was extended. In the mid-16th century Emden's port was thought to have the most ships in Europe. Its population then was about 5,000, rising to 15,000 by the end of the 16th century. The Ems River flowed directly under the city walls, but its course was changed in the 17th century by the construction of a canal. Emden has canals within its city limits, a typical feature of Dutch towns, which also enabled the extension of the harbor. In 1744 Emden was annexed by Prussia and is now part of Germany. It was captured by French forces in 1757 during the Seven Years' War, but recaptured by Anglo-German forces in 1758. During the Napoleonic French era, Emden and the surrounding lands of East Frisia were part of the short-lived Kingdom of Holland. References:Van der Krogt 4, 1230, State 2; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg...

This is a 16th century original hand-colored copperplate engraved map of View of View of Meissen, Germany entitled "Misena Hermun Duvorum Urbs" by Georg Braun & Franz Hogenberg, from their famous city atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", published in Cologne, Germany in 1575. The map depicts a side view and bird's-eye view, looking across the Elbe River (labelled Albis Fluvius on the map; White River in Latin) from the northeast. In the foreground are three women in conversation on a hill above the city, along with a man and a woman in conversation by a road, all dressed in contemporary costumes of the upper class. A coat-of-arms is present in each upper corner. A great castle sits atop a hill in the background on the left. Meissen grew up around Albrechtsburg castle, built by Emperor Henry I around AD 929, and was granted a municipal charter at the end of the 12th century. From 1471 onwards, the castle complex was reconstructed as the residence of the Saxon electors on the northeast corner of the Domberg (Cathedral Hill). Meissen cathedral is a Gothic hall church begun c. 1270; in 1413 a bolt of lightning destroyed its west towers, which were replaced only in the 20th century. Meissen lies to the northwest of Dresden, Germany in Saxony. Meissen is famous for its Meissen porcelain and the Albrechtsburg castle The following is an English translation of an excerpt from Braun's description of the city:  "This city is surrounded by very many rivers, to the east flows the Elbe, to the south the Triebisch, to the west are the mountains, to the north the Meisse, after which the city is said to be named. The city is well-situated in its surroundings, the navigable rivers, the mountains and the healthy air. Around the city there is a good land to grow grain, fertile vineyards on the hillsides and without doubt the mountains are not without ore, for one mile away, up the Elbe, is Scharfenberg, where silver and lead ore are mined.." 
  References: Van der Krogt 4, 2684; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg...

This is a 16th century original hand-colored copperplate engraved map of View of Pezaro (Pisaro), Italy entitled "Pisaurum vulgo Pezaro" by Georg Braun & Franz Hogenberg, from their famous city atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", published in Augsberg, Germany in 1575. The map depicts a view of Pesaro, Italy from the west looking over the town to the Adriatic Sea. The River Foglia flows into the Adriatic in the foreground. The only identifiable building is the cathedral of San Domenico, which rises above the other roofs with its tall spire. Two women, dressed in styles of the 16th century are in conversation on a hill in the foreground on the left. Pesaro is in the province of Pesaro and Urbino and lies on the Adriatic and east of Florence. The city, which was founded by the Etruscans and named Pisaurum by the Romans, belonged from AD 754 onwards to the Papal States, and after 1285 was controlled by the princely families of Malatesta, Sforza and della Rovere. Today it is the capital of the province of Pesaro and Urbino and has a population of about 92,000. Pesaro's most famous resident, composer Gioacchino Rossini, was born here in 1792. The following is an English translation of an excerpt from Braun's description of the city: "We believe that the astonishingly short life of the inhabitants of Pesaro comes not only from the insalubrious air, but also from the great quantity of delectable and delicious fruits which they consume to excess. For this causes the production in their bodies of evil humours, which then lead to incurably fatal diseases. The area around the city is most charming and well planted with vineyards, fig trees, olive trees and other fruit-bearing trees." 
  References: Van der Krogt 4, 3369, state 1; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg...

This is a 16th century original hand-colored copperplate engraved map of Tournai, Belgium, entitled "Tornacum" by Georg Braun & Franz Hogenberg, in volume IV of their famous city atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", published in Cologne or Augsberg, Germany in 1575. The map provides a bird's-eye view of the walled city of Tournai, the second oldest city in Belgium. It lies approximately one hour by car southwest of Brussels or from Ghent. The names of thirty of its streets, prominent buildings, churches and squares are listed in a key within a strap-work cartouche in the lower left. These locations are numbered in the key corresponding to their locations on the map. This colorful map of Tournai (Tornacum or Tournay as it was called in the 16th century) includes the title in Latin in a cartouche in the upper center. Three crests are present across the upper map. A man and two woman are standing on a hill in the foreground in the lower right dressed in the style of 16th century upper class residents of the town. This is an English translation of an excerpt of Braun's description of Tornai: “Tornacum or Turnacum is a city in Gallia Belgica, situated on the Schelde in the territory of the Nervii, called Tournai by its French inhabitants, but Dorneck by the Germans. Tournai has always been a large and powerful city, with an abundance of goods and commercial activities and wonderfully resourceful craftsmen, who invent new articles every day, and although some of these go out of use they constantly conceive of other new things, both useful and delightful, so that they have at all times something that provides work and a means of livelihood for the poor." ReferencesVan der Krogt 4, 4435, State 1; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg...

This is an original 16th century copperplate originally hand-colored engraved map of View of Seravalle, Italy entitled "Seravallum Celeberrimum Marchiae Tarvisiniae in Agro Foro Juliensi Opp. - Seravalli, quam vides, Spectator, iconem, operi huic nostro suis sumptib. . . ." by Georg Braun & Franz Hogenberg, from their famous city atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", published in Augsberg, Germany in 1575. The map depicts a view of Seravalle, now Vittorio Veneto, in San Marino, Italy, north of Venice, in a topographically accurate bird's-eye view from the south. A water-filled moat is seen to the south of the city walls and farmland to the east. Two men are depicted standing on a hill in the lower right in conversation next to grain sacks and a grazing horse, while a younger man behind them to the right herds a mule carrying presumably pigs. A very colorful and ornate title cartouche is in the upper center and coat-of-arms are in the right and left upper corners. Serravalle lies in an idyllic setting in the foothills and surrounded by orchards. St Mary's Cathedral with its tall bell tower is prominent in the center of the town. The marketplace and town hall with a bell tower in the square are depicted. Houses and shops are around the main square. Serravalle's importance as an agricultural centre is emphasized by the figures in the foreground. In 1337 Serravalle was conquered by the Republic of Venice. In 1866 the town was united with neighbouring Ceneda to form the town of Vittorio Veneto. The following is an English translation of an excerpt from the French description of the city on the back of the map: "Serravalle, a market town renowned for cloth, wine and grain, is in such a beautiful situation that the number of its inhabitants, attracted by the loveliness of the place, has grown so much at times that the wall encircling it has had to be enlarged for the third time. The city with the surrounding town once belonged to the Church in Ceneda as an imperial fief. It subsequently became the seat of the Da Camino family (a princely house that at that time was one of the five most noble in all Italy). Now the city is under the sway of the Venetians but is prudently governed by them. For they send only one city councillor with instructions to ensure that justice prevails and to collect duties. In all else, power lies in the hands of the noble families." This is a translation of the Latin in the title cartouche on the front: "The picture of the town of Serravalle, which you see, viewer, has been contributed to our work entirely at his own expense by Minutius, son of Hieronymus Minutius, a noble gentleman and one renowned for the far-reaching competence of his jurisdiction. We saw him sojourning in Cologne, where he was on business for Gregory XIII; while our good wishes accompany him, we should also like to accompany him on his way with this remembrance, even though it might be against his will, so that even those who have not seen him may learn of his excellence. However, those who do not yet know him will also see his excellence if God the Almighthy does not summon erring souls too soon back to the eternal seat of the Blessed." References: Van der Krogt 4, 4728, State 1; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg, p.331; Fauser, #14960 This striking hand-colored city view is printed on laid, chain-linked paper with wide margins. The sheet measures 16" high by 21" wide. There is a central vertical fold as issued and French text on the verso, with Latin on the front. There is some discoloration in the upper and right margins which may represent some watercolor paint from the time of the original hand-coloring of the map. There is a small hole to the right of the upper portion of the vertical fold, which is only visible when held up to light and an area of reinforcement on the verso of the lower vertical fold. The map is otherwise in very good to excellent condition. Braun and Hogenberg's 'The Civitates Orbis Terrarum' was the second atlas of maps ever published and the first atlas of cities and towns of the world. It is one of the most important books published in the 16th century. Most of the maps in the atlas were engraved by Franz Hogenberg and the text, with its descriptions of the history and additional factual information of the cities, was written by a team of writers and edited by Georg Braun. The work contained 546 bird-eye views and map views of cities and towns from all over the world. It gave graphic representation of the main features of the illustrated cities and towns, including the buildings and streets. Although the ordinary buildings are stylized, the principal buildings are reproduced from actual drawings created on location. The principal landmarks and streets can still be recognized today. In addition, the maps often include the heraldic arms of the city, the nature of the surrounding countryside, the important rivers, streams and harbors, even depicting stone bridges, wooden pontoons, flat-bottomed ferries, ships and working boats, wharves and jetties, as well as land-based activities, including horsemen, pedestrians, wagons, coaches, and palanquins. Small vignettes are often included which illustrate the trade, occupations and habits of the local inhabitants, such as agriculture, paper-making and textiles, as well as local forms of punishment, such as gibbets, wheels, floggings etc. Large figures dressed in their local costume are often presented out of proportion in the foreground. The aim of the authors was to give as much information as possible in a pleasing visual form. They succeeded in creating maps that were both informative and decorative works of art. The atlas is a wonderful glimpse of life in medieval Europe. Georg Braun (1541-1622) was German Catholic...

Ancient view of Vindesorium (Windsor) is an old master artwork realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg in the Late 17th Century, as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Te...

This is a framed 16th century map and city view of Canterbury, England entitled "Cantuarbury" by Braun & Hogenburg, from their famous landmark atlas of city views 'Civitates Orbis Terrarum' (Atlas of the Cities of the World), which was first published in Cologne, Germany in 1572. The map of Canterbury was first published in 1588. It depicts a detailed birdseye view of the completely walled and fortified city of Canterbury, with its cathedral the most prominent feature. The coat of arms of England, Canterbury, and the Archbishop of Canterbury are included. This beautifully hand-colored map is presented in a gold-colored wood frame with a beaded inner trim and a paprika-colored mat that highlights details in the map. The frame measures 18.75" high by 22.25" wide by 0.875" deep. There is a central vertical fold, as issued. The map is in excellent condition. Braun and Hogenberg's 'The Civitates Orbis Terrarum' was the second atlas of maps ever published and the first atlas of cities and towns of the world. It is one of the most important books published in the 16th century. Most of the maps in the atlas were engraved by Franz Hogenberg and the text, with its descriptions of the history and additional factual information of the cities, was written by a team of writers and edited by Georg Braun. The work contained 546 bird-eye views and map views of cities and towns from all over the world. It gave graphic representation of the main features of the illustrated cities and towns, including the buildings and streets. Although the ordinary buildings are stylized, the principal buildings are reproduced from actual drawings created on location. The principal landmarks and streets can still be recognized today. In addition, the maps often include the heraldic arms of the city, the nature of the surrounding countryside, the important rivers, streams and harbors, even depicting stone bridges, wooden pontoons, flat-bottomed ferries, ships and working boats, wharves and jetties, as well as land-based activities, including horsemen, pedestrians, wagons, coaches, and palanquins. Small vignettes are often included which illustrate the trade, occupations and habits of the local inhabitants, such as agriculture, paper-making and textiles, as well as local forms of punishment, such as gibbets, wheels, floggings etc. Large figures dressed in their local costume are often presented out of proportion in the foreground. The aim of the authors was to give as much information as possible in a pleasing visual form. They succeeded in creating maps that were both informative and decorative works of art. The atlas is a wonderful glimpse of life in medieval Europe. Georg Braun (1541-1622) was German Catholic...

This is a 16th century original hand-colored copperplate engraved map of Frankfort, Germany entitled "Francenbergum, vel ut alij Francoburgum Hassiae Opp" by Georg Braun & Franz Hogenberg, from their famous city atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", published in Cologne, Germany in 1595. This is an English translation of an excerpt from the original text in the atlas: "Frankenberg or, according to others, Francoburgum, a town in Hesse. Charlemagne vested the town of Frankenberg with many freedoms and privileges, which it still enjoys to this day, and on account of its valiant and victorious soldiers awarded a signet, upon which there formerly appeared a golden castle with a tower, together with the letter F and a golden crown. Frankenberg, seen here from the northeast, lies on a hill above the River Eder. The hillside is covered with fields neatly separated by bushes and fences. Soaring above the town is the massive Liebfrauenkirche, which was modelled on St Elizabeth's church in Marburg. The New Town was founded in 1335 at the foot of the hill (right) and merged with the Old Town as late as 1556. Frankenberg was founded by Conrad of Thuringia in 1233/34 to prevent the archbishops of Mainz from expanding their sphere of influence...

Ancient view of Oxonium (Oxford) is an old master artwork realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg in the early 17th Century, as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrar...

Ancient View of Loeven is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg in the Late 16th Century, as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" (Atlas of...

Maps is an original etching realized by G. Braun and F. Hogenberg as part of the so called "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (Atlas of Cities of the World) ...

This map of Meissen is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous Atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The s...

This map of Alhama de Granada is an original etching realized by G. Braun and F. Hogenberg, as part of the famous "Civitale Orbis Terrarum" (Atlas of the Cities of the World). The...

Ancient View of Mons is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg in the Late 17th Century, as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" (Atlas of t...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., "Vienna", from the collection "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Image Dim: cm 15 x 47, Dim: cm 20 x 53. Wonderful B/W Aquatint r...

The Map of Rostock (ancient name: Rostochivm) is an original etching realized by George Braun (1541 – 1622) The state of preservation of the artwork is good but aged . Sheet dimen...

This etching show 4 european cities: Cliviam (now Kleve), Duisburgum (actual Duisburg), Embricano (actual Emmerich) and Gennapium (actual Gennep). The are part of the famous series ...

This map of Noviomagvs is an original etching realized by Georg Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The state of preservation of the ...

Map of the Netherlands is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg, as part of the "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (Atlas of Citi...

This view of Blois (ancient name: Bloys) is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civitates Orbis T...

This View of La Rochelle (ancient name: Rochel) is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civ...

This map of Kampen (the ancient Campensis) is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civita...

This View of Kempten in Allgau, the Ancient Campidonia, is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". ...

This Map of Casablanca is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (Atlas o...

This View of Vesontio is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg, as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (A...

This View of Gorlitz is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (Atlas of C...

This map of Magdebvrgvm is an original etching realized by George Braun and Frans Hogenberg, as part of the famous series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" (Atlas of the Cities of the Worl...

This vie of Haarlem in the Netherlands (ancient name: Harlemvm) is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". ...

This map of Leida is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (Atlas...

This map of Middelburg (ancient name: Middelbvrgvm) is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The ...

This map of Hypra is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of famous series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The state of preservation of the artwork ...

This View of Lyon is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civitates...

The View of Strubing (ancient nam: Stravbinca) is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg, as part of the "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" The “Civitates Orbis Te...

City of Loja (ancient name: Loxa) is an original etching realized by Georg Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous Atlas "Civitates Orbis Terra...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., "Bruges", from the collection "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Image Dim: cm 32 x 46.5 , Dim: cm 40.5 x 52.5 . Hand-colored aqu...

This Map of Wittemberg and Frankfurt (ancient names: Wittenburga - Francfordiensis) is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous Atlas "C...

This map of Calcaria is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg, as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" (Atlas of the Cities of the World)....

View of Freising (ancient name: Frisingensis) is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogengerg within the Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civitates Orbis...

This Map of Anverpia is an original etching hand colored realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous Atlas "Civitates Orbis Ter...

This View of Brilium is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (At...

Portrait of the City of Wismaria is an original etching realized by Georg Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the suite "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". Precious etching, showing a view...

City of Neus is an original etching realized by Georg Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". Precious etch...

This View of Namvrcvm (the ancient city of Namur, Belgium) is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg, as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum...

This Map of Roan is an original etching realized by G. Braun and F. Hogenberg within the famous Atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The state of preservation of the artwork is aged wi...

Luneburgo is an original etching realized by Georg Braun and Franz Hogenberg, as part of the famous "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". Precious etching, show...

This map of Blanmont is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (At...

This map of Avgvsta is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg, as part of the famous series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum (Atlas of the Cities of the World). ...

This Mechelen is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg, as part of the famous "Civitates Orbis Terrarum". The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (Atlas of Cities ...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., Vienna or Bonn, from the collection Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Very fine B/W aquatint showing a wonderful view of the German city Bonn, named after its antique name...

This map of Embdena is an original etching realized by George Braun and Franz Hogenberg in the Late 16th Century, as part of the famous Series "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" (Atlas of t...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., "Toledo", from the collection "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Image Dim: cm 19 x 48 , Dim: cm 22. 5 x 52.5 . Very nice B/W Aqu...

Braun G., Hogenberg F., Nurnberg or Nuremberg, from the collection Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Very fine B/W aquatint showing a view of Nuremberg. Strongly influenced by Hartmann Schedel's Nuremberg Chronicles...

Aldenburgum Holsatiae, or Stade, from the collection Civitates Orbis Terrarum by Braun Hogenberg. Precious hand-colored aquatint, hand watercolored, showing a view of Stade, indicat...

Braun G. & Hogenberg F., Praga, Egra, from the collection Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1572-1617. Image dimensions: 39.5 x 47.5 cm. Dimensions: 41 x 52.5 cm. Wo...

"Goricum", from the collection "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1575. The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (Atlas of Cities of the World) was the second oldest printe...

"Sala", from the collection "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1575. The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (Atlas of Cities of the World) was the second oldest printed a...

"Machelen", from the collection "Civitates Orbis Terrarum", Cologne, T. Graminaeus, 1575. The “Civitates Orbis Terrarum” (Atlas of Cities of the World) was the second oldest print...