A beautifully detailed and hand-colored engraved map of Douai (Dovay), a historic city in northern France, from the seminal 16th-century cartographic work Civitates Orbis Terrarum by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg. This city view showcases the intricate layout of Douai, including its fortified walls, canals, and notable architectural landmarks. The map is bordered with vivid marbled paper and professionally matted, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The upper corner features Latin text describing Douai as elegantly adorned and praising the city for its residents and intellectual life, underscoring its prominence during the Renaissance. An exquisite example of early urban cartography, the map captures the essence of Douai's historical importance as a center of learning and culture. The figures in period attire at the lower left and the windmill on the outskirts add a dynamic and humanized perspective, characteristic of Braun & Hogenberg's work. This map is a testament to the artistry and technical skill of the era, merging aesthetics and information in a harmonious composition. Georg Braun (1541-1622) and Frans Hogenberg (1535-1590) were pioneers of Renaissance cartography. Their monumental work, Civitates Orbis Terrarum, published between 1572 and 1617, consisted of six volumes depicting over 500 city plans and views, providing a comprehensive visual account of urban centers across Europe and beyond. This collaboration marked a significant advancement in geographical representation, blending artistry with geographic precision. Douai, historically part of the Spanish Netherlands during the time of this map's creation, was renowned for its University of Douai, founded in 1562, which contributed to the city's intellectual reputation. The city played a vital role in the region's political and cultural history, which is reflected in the meticulous detail of this map. German text on verso. Artwork can be unframed and rolled for shipment. Map without mat: 20.75"L x 16"H.

Artist: Georg Braun (1541-1622) & Frans Hogenberg (1535-1590)
Issued: c. 1582
Dimensions: See Description
Country of Origin: Belgium

Age related wear.