A Map of Jerusalem – Engraving – Köln, 1576

Hierosolyma urbs sancta. Iudeae, totiusque orientis longe clarissima, qua amplitudine ac magnificentia hoc nostro aevo conspicua est. An engraved map of Jerusalem from the German edition of the Atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" by Georg Braun and engraver Franz Hogenberg (Vol. II). [Köln, 1576]. Latin and German.
A bird's eye view map of Jerusalem from the east. The map is meant to serve as a realistic representation of the city (unlike imaginary maps that depict Jerusalem in the olden days), but follows some conventions that contradict this, such as depicting the southern front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre although generally portraying the city from the east. In the corner of the map appears a key for 48 sites in Jerusalem and its surroundings and on its upper part, a verse from the book of Ezekiel is printed (Latin): "This is Jerusalem, I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries are round about her". In the foreground, as in many other maps in this atlas, figures in local attire are shown.
An explanatory text about Jerusalem is printed on verso (German).
Engraving: 32.5X41.5 cm. (leaf: 39.5X52 cm). Good condition. Stains. A few creases. Pieces of paper glued to upper corners, on verso.
Literature: Jerusalem in Braun & Hogenberg Civitates, by Rehav Rubin. The Cartographic Journal, 1996. pp. 119-129.
Laor 1040A.