BRAUN, G./ HOGENBERG, F. - Venetia. (Venice)

Precise, beautiful bird's-eye view of Venice, clearly depicting the city's architectural landmark. The surrounding lagoon is animated with a great variety of sailing vessels. At bottom center is a procession of the doge and dignitaries. The vignette is flanked on both sides by 153 entries listing palaces, churches, offices, etc.
The print has contemp. manuscript annotation in French. The recto giving additional info on Venice, on verso about Genua and Florence.

From the greatest publication in this genre!. The Civitates was compiled and written by George Braun, Canon of Cologne Cathedral. Braun gathered together vast amounts of information and draft plans to produce over 500 city views/maps published in six parts between 1572 and 1617.
Most of these engravings were made by Simon Novellanus and Frans Hogenberg, many after drawings by Joris Hoefnagel.