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This fascinating view of the French town of Besancon (German: Bisantz) was published in a German edition of Sebastian Munster's Cosmographia around 1570. At the time, the ancient settlement was a free imperial city under the protection of King Phillip II of Spain. This relationship is alluded to by the coat of arms featuring a Hapsburg eagle clutching the Pillars of Hercules. The fortified city is situated amid a horseshow bend in the Doubs River, seen running through the center of the image. Various locations of interest are labeled throughout, including the Campus Martius, the Porta Nigra (a Roman triumphal arch), several churches, gates, and prominent streets. The view predates the famed Citadel, constructed as part of Vauban's defensive plans in the 17th century. Sebastian Munster's Cosmographia, first published in 1544 and re-issued in numerous editions, was a revolutionary resource for understanding the world in the 16th century. Originally composed in Latin, Cosmographia covers a wide range of topics, including detailed descriptions of continents, countries, and cities, as well as information on the customs, religions, and cultures of various peoples. The work is notable for its rich collection of maps, woodcuts, and illustrations, which offer a visual representation of the geographical knowledge and artistic style of the Renaissance period. Munster drew upon a variety of sources, including classical texts, contemporary travel accounts, and reports from explorers, to compile a work that sought to educate and inform readers about the totality of the known world. Condition B Condition Description Heavy wear and soiling visible in the margins, including some paper loss, damp staining, and numerous small tears. The image is somewhat affected at the top in bottom, but remains in fair to good condition overall.
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