Lot 34
  • 34

Braun, Georg and Franz Hogenberg.

Estimate
70,000 - 100,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Civitates orbis terrarum. [Cologne: P. von Brachel, 1623-1616]
  • paper
6 parts bound in 3 volumes, folio (416 x 293mm.), one engraved allegorical title (only, of 6), 339 double-page plates (only, of 362), showing over 500 cities, all coloured by a contemporary hand, Latin text, index leaves at end of each part, contemporary Dutch gilt-stamped calf, panelled with roll-tooled borders with gilt and blind fillets around a large central cartouche, the spines in compartments with gilt motifs and labels (those for volumes 2 and 3 transposed), ties, lacking 23 plates (full listing available in Book Department or on www.sothebys.com), also lacking engraved titles from parts 2-6, engraved dedication from parts 3, 4, 5 and 6, and preliminaries from parts 4 and 6, two plates inverted, spines bumped with slight loss

Provenance

From the library of Sir Patrick Geddes (1854–1932), best known as the father of town-planning (for another town-book from his collection, see Sotheby's sale 15 November 2007, lot 61, an equally finely coloured copy of Blaeu's Piedmont and Savoy)

Literature

van der Krogt  41:1.1 (1623), colophon dated 1573, but 1623; 41:1.2 (1623); 41:1.3 (1616); 41:1.4 (1617/23 & 1623); 41:1.5 (1623); 41:1.6 (1617/18); Koeman II, B & H 1-6; Phillips, Atlases, 59]

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

The contents of the parts is as follows:

Part 1. 58 plates
Part 2. 58 plates (of 59), lacking plate 21 (Tricht), one map inverted
Part 3. 53 plates (of 59), lacking plates 28, 29, 31, 32, 37 and 41 (Dordracum, Delphium, Rottterodamun; Namurucum (half plate only present); Svusarum; Vvarburgum; Halbertstatium; Quedelinburga), plate 31 inverted (text right way up)
Part 4. 54 plates (of 59), lacking plates 28, 29, 31, 40 and 50 (Hafnia; Helsingoburgum; Sclesvicum; Eislebia; Luca), plate 25 with narrow top margin, plate 40 with slight waterstaining
Part 5. 62 plates (of 69), lacking plates 1, 7, 27, 33, 36, 37 and 46 (Palatium Regium in Angliae Regno, Nonciutz; S. Iuandel Foratche, Ierenna/Saint Juan; Antwerpia; Helsingorum Ripae; Plona; Thietmarsia; Vvismaria), plate 60 with offsetting 
Part 6. 54 plates (of 58), lacking plates 11, 18, 35 and 41 (Lyon; Antorff; Heidelberg, Speier, Worms; Claudiopolis (half plate only present))