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Rimini - Braun & Hogenberg, 1588-97.



Antique map - bird's-eye view of Rimini by Braun and Hogenberg.

CARTOUCHE: Rimini, fortified city in the Romagna.

COMMENTARY BY BRAUN (on verso): "However, it is universally acknowledged that this city of Rimini was visibly embellished by Octavian with massive buildings, especially since he also had inter alia a beautiful bridge built across the River Ariminus, which we shall come to presently and which still stands today, replete with its arches. The very ancient-looking remains of a theatre built of fired brick have also survived; in addition, inscriptions from antiquity are encountered here and there, which indicate how old the city is. Moreover, there are still some handsome palaces there, most of which were built by the noble House of Malatesta, as well as a splendid fountain in the market square."

The fortified city is seen from the northeast in a bird's-eye view. The Roman grid-like layout of the streets is still recognizable, with the Corse d'Augusto as the decumanus, forming the east-west axis with the triumphal arch of Augustus at the west end and the Ponte Augusto (Ponte di Tiberio) in the east. This bridge across the Marecchia, finished in AD 21 in the reign of Tiberius, is a pioneering achievement of Roman engineering with its breakwater spurs set at an oblique angle to the bridge, offering the least resistance to the river's current. Left of centre is the cathedral, the Tempio Malestiano, built by Leon Mattista Alberti in the 15th century, and, standing tall in the background, the church of San Agostino. To the right is the Castello Sigismondo, the stronghold of the Malatesta, who ruled the city for centuries - not always to its advantage. At the end of the 16th cent., however, Rimini had already been incorporated into the Papal States. (Taschen)

Copper engraving
Size: 31 x 47cm (12.1 x 18.3 inches)
Verso text: Latin
Condition: Old coloured, excellent.
Condition Rating: A
References: Van der Krogt 4, 3586, State 1; Taschen, Braun and Hogenberg, p.330.

From: Liber quartus Urbium Praecipuarum totius Mundi. (Koeman, B&H4)

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Item number: 02065
Price: 600 Euro

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