Antiquae urbis Romae - old colored

Article description

Original antique copper engraving in beautiful old color. Printed and published in "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" published in six parts between 1572 and 1617 by Georg Braun (1541-1622) and Frans Hogenberg (1535-1590). The engraving printed from two plates and joined together. Rome is shown from the west in a bird's-eye view that was a major achievement in its day. It shows the most important buildings and installations, including the Colosseum, Circus Maximus (used for chariot races), Obelisk, Pantheon of Agrippa, Trajan's Column, Roman Forum, Imperial Forums, various hippodromes and temples. The three figures in Roman garb in the foreground underscore the aim of meticulous reconstruction.

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)