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NAMES: Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg. DATES: 1541-1622 & 1535-1590. MAP TYPE: Decorative copper engraved city plans. |
Title: CIVITAS EXONIÆ (Vulgo Excester). The Devonshire city of EXETER, printed in c.1617
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Civitates Orbis Terrarum, was the most significant publication attributed to this renowned partnership. Published from 1572, this major work of decorative engraved town and city views was intended as an accompanying volume to the superb world atlas, Theatrum, by Abraham Ortelius.
Containing more than 500 such plans and views, Civitates Orbis Terrarum is undoubtedly among the greatest achievements in the history of cartography, up there with Blaeu’s Atlas Major, Ortelius’ Theatrum and Christopher Saxton's masterful set of county maps in An Atlas of England and Wales, published in 1574.
Playing to their individual skill strengths, Georg Braun compiled the text for each plan, printed en verso, while the plans themselves were engraved by Frans Hogenberg who was greatly practised and skilled in the task, having already worked on the maps for Ortelius’ Theatrum.
The essential quality of these remarkable plans is their consistent attention to detail, not only in the architectural graphics, but also in the graphic depictions of local costume and rural scenes, often carefully integrated to the foreground of each plan.
Containing more than 500 such plans and views, Civitates Orbis Terrarum is undoubtedly among the greatest achievements in the history of cartography, up there with Blaeu’s Atlas Major, Ortelius’ Theatrum and Christopher Saxton's masterful set of county maps in An Atlas of England and Wales, published in 1574.
Playing to their individual skill strengths, Georg Braun compiled the text for each plan, printed en verso, while the plans themselves were engraved by Frans Hogenberg who was greatly practised and skilled in the task, having already worked on the maps for Ortelius’ Theatrum.
The essential quality of these remarkable plans is their consistent attention to detail, not only in the architectural graphics, but also in the graphic depictions of local costume and rural scenes, often carefully integrated to the foreground of each plan.