GEORG BRAUN & FRANS HOGENBERG, Atrebatum (Arras), 1572 or later.

GEORG BRAUN & FRANS HOGENBERG
Atrebatum fortissimae Artesiae etc.
Cologne: Frans Hogenberg, 1572 or later
Copperplate engraving with original hand-color
Paper size: 15 3/4" x 20 1/2"

Old map - bird's-eye plan of Arras by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg.

With key to locations.

TRANSLATION OF CARTOUCHE TEXT: Arras, capital of the very fertile Artois, is distinguished by its beautiful location, the industry of its inhabitants, as a diocese, by its magnificent churches, in particular St Maria and St Vaast, and by its famous citizens.

COMMENTARY BY BRAUN: "This city is divided into two parts by its city walls, with one city assigned to the bishop, the other to the prince. Although the episcopal city is smaller, it is very beautiful and distinguished by the main church dedicated to the Virgin Mary; it also has a magnificent library of written and printed theological books. The other part of the city is characterized by broad streets, very well-appointed houses and a second large market. In this part lies the abbey of Saint-Vaast, an extremely wealthy monastery."