The Civitates orbis terrarum, meaning “Cities of the World,” is a remarkable collection. It consists of city plans and panoramic views. These were published in six volumes between 1572 and 1617. Georg Braun, a theologian and geographer, compiled and edited this work. Frans Hogenberg meticulously engraved it. It is considered one of the most important cartographic undertakings of the early modern period. Providing evidence of the burgeoning interest in urban life. It also shows the increasing accuracy of cartography during the Renaissance. The Civitates wasn’t just a book of maps. It was a visual encyclopedia of the world’s cities. It offered a unique glimpse into the urban landscapes, architecture, and daily life of the 16th and early 17th centuries.
Compilation and Production
The creation of the Civitates orbis terrarum was a collaborative and complex process that spanned decades. Braun and Hogenberg were the primary figures. They relied on a vast network of artists, surveyors, and informants from across Europe and beyond. The collection was not based on new, firsthand surveys. Instead, Braun and Hogenberg gathered existing plans and views. They adapted them from various sources, including travel sketches. They also used earlier printed maps and information from merchants and diplomats. This approach allowed them to compile a vast number of city views without traveling extensively themselves.
Georg Braun, as the editor, was responsible for the textual descriptions that accompanied each plate. His text, often in Latin, provided historical context, information about the city’s government, economy, and notable landmarks. Frans Hogenberg, a master engraver, translated the source material into detailed copperplate engravings. The engravings were then printed on large sheets of paper. Skilled artisans often hand-colored them later to enhance their visual appeal.
The project was collaborative in nature. It relied on a wide range of sources. As a result, the precision of the plans varied. Some were highly detailed and relatively exact, while others were more artistic interpretations or even idealized views. Despite these inconsistencies, the sheer scope and ambition of the work were unprecedented.
Estimated Print Run
The exact print run for each edition of the Civitates orbis terrarum is challenging to pinpoint. Records from that period are often incomplete. However, historians estimate that the print run for each volume was likely in the hundreds. This estimate is based on the survival rate of copies. It also considers the economic realities of publishing in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was perhaps between 300 and 500 copies.
The production costs were high. Engraving copperplates and the hand-coloring process added to these costs. A larger print run would have been economically unfeasible. The Civitates was a luxury item, affordable only to the wealthy elite, including nobles, scholars, and wealthy merchants. Many copies were bound together in different combinations. Others were sold as individual plates. This further complicates the task of estimating precise numbers.
Groundbreaking Maps
While the entire collection is significant, some maps within the Civitates are groundbreaking for their detail. They are also notable for their accuracy or unique perspective. These maps often provided the first widely distributed views of certain cities, setting a new standard for urban representation.
- View of London: The London plate is one of the most famous in the collection. The engraving shows a panoramic view from the south. It offers a detailed look at the city before the Great Fire of 1666. It depicts iconic landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral (the old one), the Globe Theatre, and London Bridge. These landmarks provide a unique historical record of the city’s pre-fire layout. They also showcase its architecture.
- View of Venice: The Venice plate is a stunning example of a bird’s-eye view. It showcases the intricate network of canals, bridges, and palaces. It captures the unique geography of the city, highlighting its status as a major maritime power and cultural center. The detailed representation of the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square is particularly noteworthy.
- View of Jerusalem: The Jerusalem plate is significant for its blend of historical accuracy and religious symbolism. It depicts the city’s major landmarks. It also incorporates elements from biblical history. This blend reflects the city’s profound religious importance to European audiences.
List of City Plans in the “Civitates orbis terrarum”
The Civitates contains hundreds of city plans and views, too many to list exhaustively here. However, the collection is known for its extensive coverage of European cities. The six volumes cover cities from various regions, including:
- 1572 Volume I: European cities, including London, Paris, Rome, Venice, and cities in the Netherlands and Germany.
- 1575 Volume II: Cities in Germany, Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East, including Cologne, Granada, Jerusalem, and Tunis.
- 1581 Volume III: Cities in Italy, France, and parts of Eastern Europe, featuring Florence, Naples, Prague, and Warsaw.
- 1588 Volume IV: This volume focuses on Northern and Eastern Europe. It includes cities in Scandinavia, the Baltic region, and Russia, like Stockholm and Moscow.
- 1598 Volume V: This volume has a more global scope. It includes views of cities in the Americas and Asia. These views were often based on less reliable sources. Notable entries include Mexico City and Constantinople.
- 1617 Volume VI: A final volume added more views and plans from across Europe. It expanded on earlier volumes. It included places like Salzburg and other German cities.
The Significance of the “Civitates orbis terrarum” to Cartography
The Civitates orbis terrarum‘s significance extends far beyond its role as a beautiful collection of maps. It was a pivotal work that helped to shape the future of urban cartography. It also promoted a deeper understanding of the world’s cities.
- Urban Cartography as a Genre: The Civitates elevated urban cartography from a niche practice to a major genre. Braun and Hogenberg compiled hundreds of city views into a single, cohesive work. This demonstrated the public’s appetite for this type of information. It established a model for future urban atlases. It also played a key role in the development of city planning. Additionally, geography emerged as an academic discipline.
- Global Perspective: Most of the views are of European cities. Nonetheless, the inclusion of places like Jerusalem, Tunis, Mexico City, and Constantinople provided readers with a broader perspective. This perspective was more global. It showcased the diversity of urban forms and architecture. The exhibition ranged from the fortified cities of Europe to the sprawling metropolises of the Ottoman Empire.
- Artistic and Technical Excellence: The engravings by Frans Hogenberg are masterpieces of the art form. The level of detail in individual buildings and figures is remarkable. The subtle shading and perspective set a new standard for technical and artistic quality in cartography. The hand-coloring of many copies transformed the maps into vibrant works of art, further enhancing their value and appeal.
- Historical Documentation: As a historical document, the Civitates orbis terrarum is invaluable. It provides a visual record of cities as they existed in the 16th and early 17th centuries. The record captures everything from fortifications and public spaces. It also captures daily life in the form of small figures and activities depicted in the foregrounds of many plates. For historians and urban planners, it offers crucial insights. These insights are into the development of urban environments before the widespread use of photography.
In conclusion
In conclusion, the Civitates orbis terrarum was a monumental achievement in the history of cartography. It united meticulous research, masterful engraving, and an ambitious vision. The result was a work that was both a practical tool and a work of art. It provided a window into the world’s cities and lays the groundwork for the future of urban cartography. It also enhanced our understanding of the urban landscape.