Ancient Rome

Original 1572 Braun & Hogenberg Map of Ancient Rome

“Urbis Romae Situs cum iis quae adhuc conspiciuntur”

Pirro Ligorio / Braun & Hogenberg, Cologne, 1572

Offered here is a rare and original 16th-century engraved map of Ancient Rome, published by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg in their monumental work Civitates Orbis Terrarum — the most celebrated city atlas of the Renaissance. Based on the work of the Italian antiquarian and architect Pirro Ligorio, this map presents a bird’s-eye reconstruction of ancient Rome, as imagined and observed in the 16th century, with remarkable attention to the ruins and monuments still visible at the time.

Ligorio’s deep classical knowledge and artistic flair are rendered here through the expert engraving and publishing prowess of Braun & Hogenberg in Cologne, ca. 1572. The map is richly hand-colored and labeled in Latin, illustrating major landmarks including the Colosseum (Amphitheatrum Flavium), the Pantheon, the Baths of Caracalla, Circus Maximus, and many more, all set against Rome’s distinctive hills and riverbanks.

Details:

• Title: Urbis Romae Situs cum iis quae adhuc conspiciuntur
• Cartographer: Pirro Ligorio (1513–1583)
• Publisher: Georg Braun & Frans Hogenberg
• Published: Cologne, circa 1572
• Source: Civitates Orbis Terrarum, Volume I
• Size: 38 x 50 cm
• Medium: Hand-colored copperplate engraving on laid paper
• Condition: Excellent for age; light centerfold as issued; vivid original hand-coloring; minor edge wear consistent with age
• Presentation: Expertly matted, ready for framing or archival display

Significance:

This map is both a work of art and historical scholarship, merging Ligorio’s archaeological vision of ancient Rome with the cartographic excellence of Braun & Hogenberg. As an original from the Civitates Orbis Terrarum, this piece is highly sought after by collectors, museums, and scholars alike.

A true Renaissance artifact, this map offers a rare opportunity to own one of the most iconic and influential views of ancient Rome ever produced.