City Views, Poland, Stettin

“Alten Stettin”

Antique Bird’s-Eye View of Stettin (Szczecin), 1588 – Georg Braun & Franz Hogenberg

Exquisitely hand-colored copperplate engraving depicting the historic city of Stettin, today known as Szczecin, Poland. The view was published in Cologne (Köln) in 1588 in the monumental urban atlas Civitates Orbis Terrarum by Georg Braun (1542–1622) and Franz Hogenberg (1535–1590).

The detailed bird’s-eye view shows Stettin enclosed by its historic fortifications along the Oder River, with shipping vessels, waterways, and the surrounding marshland landscape. The engraving provides a remarkable visual record of this important Pomeranian port city in the late 16th century.

The accompanying text describes Stettin and the surrounding region of Pomerania, including its geography, history, trade, privileges, rulers, and position within the Hanseatic League. The verso bears extensive historical text concerning Stettin and Pomerania.

The hand coloring is of exceptionally high quality. The engraving is in excellent condition and retains wide margins.

A superb example and a real collector’s piece.

Creators: Georg Braun (1542–1622) and Franz Hogenberg (1535–1590)
Publication: Civitates Orbis Terrarum
Date: 1588
Place of publication: Cologne (Köln), Germany
Subject: Stettin (Szczecin), Pomerania
Technique: Copperplate engraving with original hand coloring
Dimensions: 33.6 × 47.7 cm (13.2 × 18.8 in.)

Original price: $1,600
Current price after 40% closing discount: $960