Germany, Soest, Warburg Braun & Hogenberg, 1590, Soest / Warborch

16th century folio sized copper engraving with overall views of the cities of Soest and Warburg

SOEST:

CARBURETTOR: Soest is probably the largest and richest of the cities in Westphalia.

COMMENT BY BRAUN: “Although the arable land in Westphalia is generally better suited to forests and pastures, the area around Soest and Hamm is still suitable for growing grain. Soest is also known for its many salt mines. The town of Pfaffendorf, where the salt mines are located, supplies Soest with so much precious salt every day that the needs of the town itself and all neighboring towns far and wide can be met. The owners of the salt mines, mostly nobles, are residents of the town. The town itself maintains six mills for general use.”

This view shows the town from the southeast; numerous church towers dominate it.

WARBURG:

CAPTION: Warburg, a beautiful town in Westphalia.

COMMENT BY BRAUN: "Warburg, a beautiful town in Westphalia, lies on hilly ground, flowing past the Diemel. It used to bear the title of county, as Hermann Hamelmann records in his Westphalian History, where he also praises the town for its delicious beer, which is gladly drunk, especially by those who seek humor for little money."

This view from the south shows the town of Warburg, which extends over several hills. The early Gothic church of St. John the Baptist rises above the New Town in the middle background. The Old Town in the foreground, which was built in an advantageous location on the Diemel ford, was first mentioned in documents in 1036. After the founding of the New Town in 1228 by the Bishop of Paderborn, both towns merged to form one town in 1436. The town hall "Between the Towns" was built in 1568. Desenberg Castle can be seen on the far right, which sits like an inselberg on a striking 340 m high basalt rock.

From: Liber quartus Urbium Praecipuarum totius Mundi. Cologne, 1588-97. (Koeman, B&H4, Van der Krogt 4, 41:1.4)

Very good condition. Original coloring. A very good version of this map, suitable for framing.

Image 34x47.5cm, sheet 39.5x52cm