Braun and Hogenberg, Limburg Cityscape, 1580, Paper

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Title: limburgum oppidum galliae belgicae, vulgo lympurch, gallicè, lembor dr. Type: print (copper engraving) circa 1580 technique: colored copper engraving … Read more Title: limburgum oppidum galliae belgicae, vulgo lympurch, gallicè, lembor dr. Type: print (copper engraving) circa 1580 technique: colored copper engraving medium: handmade paper subject: cityscape of limburg verso: contains latin text margins: narrow this map is a detailed and colorful illustration of the city of limburg, known historically as lympurch, as it appeared in the late 16th or early 17th century. The map is from braun and hogenberg's renowned atlas "civitates orbis terrarum," which aimed to provide detailed and artistic representations of cities from around the world. Of the map 1. **cityscape**: the city is depicted with a high level of detail, showcasing its fortifications, churches, and various buildings. The city's layout is visible, with streets and structures intricately drawn. 2. **surrounding landscape**: the surrounding landscape includes rolling hills, fields, and forests, giving a sense of the topography around limburg. Agricultural activities are depicted, with figures tending to livestock and working the land. 3. **coats of arms and cartouches**: the map features ornate coats of arms and decorative cartouches, including a prominent one at the top center labeled "lympvrch" and others with heraldic symbols. 4. **figures and activities**: in the foreground, figures are depicted engaging in various activities, such as farming and herding sheep. These elements add a lively and human touch to the map. 5. **latin inscriptions**: the map includes several latin inscriptions that provide context and information about the city. Translation of the latin inscriptions 1. **title and **: - "limburgum oppidum galliae belgicae: ex vulgo lympurch, gallice lembro dict." - **translation**: "limburg, a town of belgic gaul: commonly known as lympurch, in french called lembro." 2. **main cartouche (left)**: - "limburgum oppidum galliae belgicae ex vulgo lympurch, gallice lembro dict. Urbem gislebertus regis henrici nepos condidisse fertur: ad eam accedunt rarioribus modis duae viae, propeque duobus r. P. Cœnobiis insignitur, m. Didennis & s. C. Quum s. Pauli. Quibus castri comites antiquissimae nobilitatis patria quae superiori lemburgo non ignobilis dignitate nitescens\." - **translation**: "limburg, a town of belgic gaul commonly called lympurch, in french called lembro. The town is said to have been founded by gislebert, nephew of king henry: it is approached by two rare routes, and is distinguished by two prominent monasteries, the monastery of st. Denis and that of st. Paul. The counts of the castle, who shine with ancient nobility, come from this country, which, being superior to limburg, is not lacking in dignity\." 3. **right cartouche (key to the map)**: - a numbered list correlates with locations on the map. - **translation**: 1. The new great church 2. The old castle 3. The church of the holy cross 4. The st. Denis monastery 5. The st. Paul monastery 6. The old great church 7. The vineyard 8. The new city hall 9. The old city hall 10. The market place 11. The fish market 12. The town square 13. The little river bridge 14. The great river bridge 15. The outer fields 16. The fortified wall 17. The south gate 18. The north gate this map is a valuable historical artifact, providing insight into the geography, architecture, and daily life of limburg during the time it was created. The attention to detail and artistic quality make it a notable example of early cartography. See less