Italy - Tivoli, Lazio; BRAUN, Georg & HOGENBERG, Frans - Tivoli - 1581-1600

BRAUN, Georg & HOGENBERG, Frans
Title: Tibur (Tivoli)
From: Civitates Orbis Terrarum
Place of publication: Cologne, 1578
Technique: Copper engraving (engraving), watercolored in a later period
Support: Hand-made laid paper with watermark (not identified)
Dimensions: about 42 × 54 cm
Conditions: Excellent. Minor professional repairs on the verso at the upper corners, non-invasive, with no impact on the engraved image.

Description:
Splendid perspective view of the city of Tivoli, historically known as Tibur, created in 1578 by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg, among the leading figures in Renaissance urban cartography. The work is drawn from the famous Civitates Orbis Terrarum, regarded as the first illustrated urban atlas in the world, conceived as a complement to Ortelius’s Theatrum Orbis Terrarum.

The engraving depicts Tivoli with extraordinary topographic accuracy and refined artistic sensitivity, offering a precious visual testimony of the city in the 16th century: the main buildings, the walls and the surrounding hilly landscape are shown with meticulous care.

Hand-coloured in a later period, the print preserves harmonious tones that enhance the volumes and urban articulation. Wide margins and excellent state of preservation, with minimal and invisible verso interventions.

Notes: The views contained in Civitates Orbis Terrarum are among the most important documents of Renaissance historical geography. This plate, dedicated to Tivoli, is one of the most sought after for its historical, aesthetic and documentary value.

Rare and highly fascinating piece, suitable for collectors, scholars or museum exhibitions.