Early plans of Mexico City and Cusco

BRAUN, Georg & HOGENBERG, Frans.

Mexico, Regia et Celebris Hispaniae Novae Civitas; Cusco, Regni Peru in Novo Orbe Caput.
Cologne, 1572-, French text. Coloured. 270 x 475mm.

Evidence of a crack in the printing plate, as usual with this map.

Two early 'map-views' on one sheet, showing Mexico City and Cusco, the capital cities of the Aztecs and Incas, with the major buildings shown in profile with little consideration for perspective. In the foreground of each are illustrations of Aztec and Inca figures.

This plate was published in the 'Civitates Orbis Terrarum', the first systematic series of printed town plans, a monumental six-volume work published 1572-1618. These were the only two American cities depicted.

KOEMAN: B&H 1.
Stock ID : 20286