Civitates Orbis Terrarum – Cities of the World
Civitates Orbis Terrarum – Cities of the World
Georg Braun and Franz Hogenberg: Beschreibung und Contrafactur der vornembster Stät der Welt 1574–1618
The earliest comprehensive collection of realistic city vedutas of the world
The world as known in the early 17th century
Two generations before Matthäus Merian, the Cologne theologian Georg Braun and the Flemish copper engraver Franz Hogenberg, together with other experienced artists, created a large-scale city vedutas which became increasingly famous over the centuries. Their work comprises views and maps of cities from around the then known world – hence the title of the first of six volumes, which was published in 1576: Civitates Orbis Terrarum. The elaborately designed and lavishly coloured large-format images that accompanied the anecdotal descriptions were intended to convey a new image of the world to all those who enjoyed a humanist education.
Realistic city vedutas as historical documents
To improve our knowledge of medieval cities before their destruction in the Thirty Years War and the ensuing reconstruction in Baroque style, these excellent etchings are of tremendous importance, particularly since they provide not only detailed depictions of towns and landscapes but also a great deal of additional information: coats of arms, popular genre scenes of the life of farmers and fishers, local customs and fashion, vessels, carts and carriages of all kind and much more. In the accompanying text Georg Braun describes the geographic situation, the historic development and the economic circumstances of each city, in an instructive and amusing style.
Questions and Answers
Who were the main contributors to the creation of the Civitates Orbis Terrarum? Georg Braun, a Cologne theologian, and Franz Hogenberg, a Flemish engraver, together with other experienced artists, created this collection of city views.
When was the first volume of the Civitates Orbis Terrarum published?
The first volume was published in 1574.
What was the purpose of the large-format and colourful images in the books?
The images were meant to offer humanist scholars of the time a new perspective of the world.
What additional information do the city views provide besides depictions of cities and landscapes?
The views include information such as coats of arms, genre scenes of daily life, inhabitants, local customs, costumes, ships, and various carriages.
Why are the engravings from Civitates Orbis Terrarum significant for our knowledge of medieval cities?
They provide detailed insights into life before the destruction caused by the Thirty Years' War and Baroque reconstructions, making them valuable historical documents.
How has cartography and the representation of cities evolved over the centuries, and how is such knowledge conveyed today?
Cartography has evolved from hand-drawn city views, like those in Civitates Orbis Terrarum, to precise digital maps. Early city views were often based on artistic interpretations and were more decorative. Nowadays, modern technology such as satellite imagery and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enables accurate and detailed depictions of cities and landscapes. This knowledge is now conveyed through digital platforms, interactive maps, and specialised studies.
What role did works like Civitates Orbis Terrarum play in geographical and political orientation for explorers and governments in the early modern period?
Works like Civitates Orbis Terrarum played a key role as they provided one of the few visual representations of cities and regions available at the time. Explorers used them to orient themselves on their journeys, even though the maps were often more symbolic than precise. For governments and rulers, these depictions had geopolitical importance, helping expand knowledge of foreign cities and territories, and justifying political power claims.
How does the preservation and restoration of such historical books and maps influence current research on past cultures and cities?
The preservation and restoration of such works are invaluable, as they provide researchers with direct access to historical sources. These original documents offer insights into city life, architecture, and geopolitical conditions of past eras. Through modern restoration techniques and digital archiving, this knowledge can be preserved and made accessible to a wider audience, enhancing research and understanding of past cultures.
