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Description

This is a hand-colored engraving from Civitates Orbis Terrarum by Braun & Hogenberg, offering a captivating bird's-eye view of Ratzeburg in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, as it appeared in 1588. Signed by Gerdt Hane, the image portrays the town's strategic location on islands in Lake Ratzeburg, emphasizing its natural defenses and architectural features. 

The map is oriented from the south, highlighting the bifurcated settlement of Ratzeburg. The larger northern island hosts the cathedral and canons' residences, while the southern island is dominated by the prince’s palace, complete with formidable bastions, ramparts, and encircling waterways. The image reflects the importance of the town’s fortifications, accessible only via a bridge.  Key structures include:

  • The Cathedral (Thumb Kirche) - Located on the northern island, this prominent Romanesque basilica features a massive west tower and three aisles. It was initiated under Bishop Evermod in the 12th century.
  • Church of St. Peter - Situated within the town proper on the southern island, this Gothic edifice dates from the 13th century and adds ecclesiastical depth to the view.

The surrounding lake is dotted with swans, enhancing the idyllic yet strategically significant nature of the location. The lower foreground features two armed figures, lending a human element to the scene and emphasizing the martial significance of the area.

The town's origins trace back to its founding by the Polabian prince Ratibor, whose name it likely bears. Its conversion to Christianity in the 12th century marked a pivotal moment in its development, with the construction of the cathedral serving as a testament to its ecclesiastical importance.

By the time this engraving was created, Ratzeburg had evolved into a fortified center. However, the town suffered extensive damage during Danish bombardments in 1693, leaving the cathedral as one of the few surviving medieval structures.  Today, Ratzeburg is a picturesque health resort in the Duchy of Lauenburg district. 

Condition Description
Old color . Discoloration at centerfold.
Georg Braun Biography

Georg Braun (1541-1622) was born and died in Cologne. His primary vocation was as Catholic cleric; he spent thirty-seven years as canon and dean at the church St. Maria ad Gradus, in Cologne. Braun was the chief editor of the Civitates orbis terrarum, the greatest book of town views ever published.  His job entailed hiring artists, acquiring source material for the maps and views, and writing the text. In this role, he was assisted by Abraham Ortelius. Braun lived into his 80s, and he was the only member of the original team to witness the publication of the sixth volume in 1617.

Frans Hogenberg Biography

Frans Hogenberg (ca. 1540-ca. 1590) was a Flemish and German engraver and mapmaker who also painted. He was born in Mechelen, south of Antwerp, the son of wood engraver and etcher Nicolas Hogenberg. Together with his father, brother (Remigius), uncle, and cousins, Frans was one member of a prominent artistic family in the Netherlands.

During the 1550s, Frans worked in Antwerp with the famous mapmaker Abraham Ortelius. There, he engraved the maps for Ortelius’ groundbreaking first atlas, published in Antwerp in 1570, along with Johannes van Deotecum and Ambrosius and Ferdinand Arsenius. It is suspected he engraved the title page as well. Later, Ortelius supported Hogenberg with information for a different project, the Civitates orbis terrarium (edited by Georg Braun, engraved by Hogenberg, published in six volumes, Cologne, 1572-1617). Hogenberg engraved the majority of the work’s 546 prospects and views.

It is possible that Frans spent some time in England while fleeing from religious persecution, but he was living and working in Cologne by 1580. That is the city where he died around 1590. In addition to his maps, he is known for his historical allegories and portraits. His brother, Remigius, also went on to some fame as an engraver, and he died around the same time as his brother.