Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg – Alexandria, 1575 Antique world maps HQ

The composition presents a birds-eye view of a coastal city and its surrounding landscape. A prominent river dominates the central space, flowing from upper left towards the lower right where it meets the sea. The city itself is densely packed with structures, delineated by a substantial defensive wall that follows the contours of the terrain. Numerous buildings are visible within the walls, varying in size and apparent function; some appear to be larger public or religious edifices, while others seem more residential.
The landscape beyond the city walls is characterized by undulating hills dotted with palm trees and other vegetation. A small caravan, including a camel, is depicted near the lower left edge of the image, suggesting trade routes and interaction between the urban center and its hinterland. Several ships are visible on the water, indicating maritime activity and connection to wider networks.
The artist employed a detailed rendering style, with careful attention paid to architectural details and topographical features. The use of hatching and cross-hatching creates depth and texture in both the buildings and the landscape. A decorative border frames the scene, adding a sense of formality and containment.
A band of text runs along the upper edge of the image, likely providing descriptive or historical context for the depicted location. The lettering is ornate and appears to be in Latin. The inclusion of ALEX within the city’s boundaries suggests an identification with Alexandria.
Subtextually, this work functions as more than a simple geographical representation. It conveys a sense of order and control through the fortified walls and organized urban layout. The presence of the caravan and ships highlights the importance of trade and connection to distant lands. The overall impression is one of a prosperous and strategically significant city situated within a fertile landscape, reflecting European interest in exploring and documenting the world during this period. It’s likely intended to convey not just geographical information but also an idealized or constructed image of a foreign locale, shaped by contemporary European perspectives and expectations.