Aachen

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Original antique copper engraving, hand colored in wash, published 1576 in volume I of the town book 'Civitates Orbis Terrarum' by Braun and Hogenberg. The entire series of the 'Civitates Orbis Terrarum' comprised six volumes and was published and printed from 1572 towards 1619. This decorative plan shows a bird's eye view of the city of Aachen. A very nice and detailed plan of the city of Aachen with its walls and the nearby surrounding. The map is richly equipped with many houses, churches, etc. In the foreground with inhabitants. In the upper corners are two coat of arms of Aachen engraved. The title cartouche is in the lower left corner. Old colored example of this map, verso with descriptive German text. This view of Aachen by Braun and Hogenberg after the sketch by Hendrick Steenwyck, was only published from 1572 towards 1578, it was then replaced by a similar bird's eye view of Aachen in the townbooks by Braun & Hogenberg. Georg Braun (also Brunus, Bruin; 1541 – 10 March 1622) was a topo-geographer. From 1572 to 1617 he edited the Civitates orbis terrarum, which contains 546 prospects, bird's-eye views and maps of cities from all around the world. He was the principal editor of the work, he acquired the tables, hired the artists, and wrote the texts. He died as an octogenarian in 1622, as the only survivor of the original team to witness the publication of volume VI in 1617. Braun was born and died in Cologne. His principal profession was as a Catholic cleric. However, he spent thirty-seven years as canon and dean at the church, St. Maria ad Gradus, in Cologne. His six-volume work was inspired by Sebastian Münster's Cosmographia. In form and layout it resembles the 1570 Theatrum orbis terrarum by Abraham Ortelius, as Ortelius was interested in a complementary companion for the Theatrum. The Braun publication set new standards in cartography for over 100 years. Frans Hogenberg (1535–1590, from Mechelen) created the tables for volumes I through IV, and Simon van den Neuwel created those for volumes V and VI. Other contributors were Joris Hoefnagel, Jacob Hoefnagel, cartographer Daniel Freese, and Heinrich Rantzau. Works by Jacob van Deventer, Sebastian Münster, and Johannes Stumpf were also used. Primarily European cities are depicted in the publication; however, Cairo Casablanca and Mexico City as well as Cuzco on one sheet are also included in volume I, whereas Tunis is featured in volume II. Frans Hogenberg (1535–1590) was a Flemish and German painter, engraver, and mapmaker. Hogenberg was born in Mechelen in Flanders as the son of Nicolaas Hogenberg. In 1568 he was banned from Antwerp by the Duke of Alva and travelled to London, where he stayed a few years before emigrating to Cologne. He is known for portraits and topographical views as well as historical allegories. He also produced scenes of contemporary historical events. Hogenberg died in Cologne. (Wikipedia)

Aquisgranum, vulgo Aich, ad Menapiorum fines, perantiqua Imperij urbs, monumento Caroli Magni, Thermax prestantia, & peregrinorum, ob reliquias, frequetatione, memorabilis. Anno partae salutis. CI.C IC LXXVI. Coloniae Agripp:

Peter van der Krogt, Koemann Vol. IV 2 (1), 3 Aachen, 41:1, 41:2-3