First known representation of a Norwegian city

Description

This charming bird’s-eye view of Bergen was drawn by Hieronymus Scholeus and first published in 1588 in Georg Braun and Franz Hogenberg's Civitates Orbis Terrarum. It is the only Norwegian city depicted in their masterpiece.

Bergen was founded in 1070 and remained Norway’s largest city until the 19^th century. At the time of the present town view, it was also one of the largest cities in Scandinavia, having established itself as an important North European trading hub. Ultimately, Bergen’s significance arose from three key factors – export of dried cod, a monopoly it held in trade with the north of Norway, and its role as one of four major trading posts of the Hanseatic League.

The view depicts Bergen as seen from the southwest, with Vågen Bay at its centre. A legend with references from A. to X. identifies 21 important landmarks, such as Bergenhus fortress, seat of Norway’s kings in the 13^th century (A.), St. Mary’s, the “church of the German merchants” (C.), the house of the resident Hanseatic League representative (D.), the meeting hall and exchange of the German merchants (E.), St. Martin’s Church (G.), Holy Cross Church (I.), and Vågen Bay and the port (R.).

Commercial activity is focused on the northeastern side of the harbour, along the “German Quay” (Teutsche brugk) with its many timber cranes and entrance to the city (all H.), while the opposite shore is dotted with residential buildings. Some of these feature sheep grazing on the roofs. Further decorative elements of the scene include numerous boats and sailing ships around the barbour as well as various figures throughout.

At the top, the view features a strapwork title cartouche, which is centred between four coats of arms. From left to right, these belong to the Kingdom of Denmark (which, at the time, was in a personal union with Norway), the city of Bergen, the Hanseatic city of Bergen (showing to the left the eagle of Lübeck, the de facto capital of the Hanseatic League, and stockfish, Bergen’s key commodity, to the right), and the Kingdom of Norway.

The bestselling Civitates Orbis Terrarum, i.e. “Cities of the World”, is a six-volume collection of city maps and views published in multiple editions between 1572 and about 1623. Compiled by Georg Braun and illustrated mainly by Franz Hogenberg, it features over 500 detailed engravings of cities across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, often accompanied by brief descriptions. The work aimed to document the appearance, structure, and significance of cities during a time of growing urbanisation and global exploration.

It is considered a masterpiece for its blend of artistic skill, cartographic detail, and historical value. As the most comprehensive urban atlas of its time, it offers a unique visual record of Late Renaissance cities, capturing their architecture, layout, and cultural life. The Civitates reflects the humanist spirit of the era and remains a vital resource for understanding early modern urban development.

Latin text on verso.

A beautiful example of one of the most sought-after views from the Civitates Orbis Terrarum.

Publication

Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Vol. IV [1588 but c. 1616-23]

Condition

Very good.

A sharp impression on a clean sheet, issued folding. Faint staining, contained to lower right corner. A few minor creases, contained to top margin. On verso, minor professional paper repair (not visible on recto) and remnants of mounting tape.

Reference

van Mingroot & van Ermen #16

Item #: 02711

US $2,000.00

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