Antique map of Holy Land - Jerusalem by Braun & Hogenberg 1575-1612
Hierosolyma Urbs Sancta, Iudeae, Totiusque Orientis Longe Clarissima ...
Item Number: 21887 Authenticity Guarantee
Category: Antique maps > Asia > Middle East
Bird's-eye view of Jerusalem, with key to locations.
The map is largerly based on the map in the diary by Ulrich Prefat von Wikanau, published in the Czech language in 1563, which was copied after the map by the Venetian artist Domenico dalle Greche.
TRANSLATION OF CAPTION: This is Jerusalem, I have set it in the midst of the nations and countries that are round about her."
CARTOUCHE: Jerusalem, the holy city, the most famous of Judea and the entire East, whose size and splendour marvels the imagination.
COMMENTARY BY BRAUN: " The particular holiness and significance of Jerusalem stems from the divine prophecies and miracles that God, in all his supreme power, created there. Especially, however, because Christ, the Son of God, as he walked the earth, not only lived and learned mostly in this city, but also accomplished many wondrous deeds: his prayers, his suffering, death, burial, resurrection, Ascension, spreading the Holy Spirit and dispatching his disciples out into the world."
Whereas the first depiction of Jerusalem shows the city as described in the Old Testament, this second plate features a contemporary bird's-eye view from the otherwordly height of Kidron Valley as well as the most important sites and structures having to do with the life of Jesus and his disciples: among others the birthplace of Mary, the Calvary and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the residences of Pontius Pilate and Herod, the place before the city gates were Stephen was stoned as well as where John the Baptist was beheaded. In the centre of the image the Temple of Solomon is depicted - since the late 7th century the location of the Islamic Dome of the Rock that bears a crescent on its dome.
Copper engraving
Size: 33 x 41.5cm (12.8 x 16.2 inches)
Verso text: Latin
Condition: Old coloured.
Condition Rating: A
References: Van der Krogt 4, 1962; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg, p. 194.
From: Civitates Orbis Terrarum, ... Part 2. Köln, 1575-1612.