1580 Hierosolyma, Clarissima Totius Orientis Civitas, Iudaee Metropolis…
By: Braun and Hogenberg
Date: 1580 (circa) Cologne
Dimensions: 13.25 x 18.75 inches (33.7 x 47.63 cm)
This stunning map from the last quarter of the sixteenth century depicts two bird’s-eye views of the ancient city of Jerusalem.
The view on the left depicts biblical Jerusalem ‘Ancient city in its full splendor at the time of Christ’, including details of the procession to Golgotha and the dead Judas hanging from a tree outside the city walls. The temple is illustrated in detail. The right view depicts ‘New city of Jerusalem described in its form and situation in our times’, the much larger and well-organized city as it had become by the time of the creation of the map. A number of the churches which had been built throughout the ages are depicted, as is the site of the temple which had been razed to the ground.
The map is lavishly described with Latin text on both the face and the verso, with each view accompanied by legends naming various important buildings and sites. An inset in the lower right quadrant features Moses receiving the commandments along with the figure of a high priest in splendid regalia, and a detailed description of the priest’s clothing. The detailed information on the face of the map facilitates comparison of the city in antiquity with that of Braun’s day, with the maps numbered so as to enable the finding and identifying of ancient sites in the 16th century city.
The plan is accompanied by Braun's account of Jerusalem’s history, its place in biblical accounts, and its situation and commerce, all forming a lavish armchair-traveler's compendium, while providing a uniquely comprehensive view of the city’s urban life just before the turn of the sixteenth century.
That the map was printed in Cologne signifies its significance as a free imperial state. Few cities held this right in 16th century Europe, and Cologne's success as a free state resulted in great economic growth allowing for the growth of guilds and crafts, such as printing and publishing.
Condition: This map is in A condition with original hand coloring.
Inventory #11365
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