Tunis (Tunisia) – Historical city view
Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg, around 1580

This impressive historical illustration depicts the city of Tunis (Tunisia) in one of the earliest and most important cartographic views of the 16th century. The copper engraving comes from the famous urban atlas "Civitates Orbis Terrarum" by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg , one of the most important works of the early modern period for depicting cities and metropolises worldwide.

The view combines topographical accuracy with narrative imagery : Tunis is shown from an elevated perspective, with city walls, fortresses, lagoons, port facilities, and a vivid depiction of military and maritime scenes. Particularly striking are the richly detailed drawings of ships, camps, and troop formations, which underscore Tunis's strategic importance in the 16th-century Mediterranean.

Historical context

At the time this map was created, Tunis was a central geopolitical hub between Europe, the Ottoman Empire, and North Africa. The depiction reflects the conflicts between Christian and Ottoman powers, as well as the city's role as a major trading and military port. Such views served not only for geographical orientation but also for the political and cultural classification of foreign regions.

The copper engraving was published in Cologne and is one of the rare depictions of Africa from the early modern period that portray North Africa in such detail and narrative style.

Artist & Work

Georg Braun (1541–1622) was the editor and intellectual force behind the “Civitates Orbis Terrarum,” while Frans Hogenberg (1535–1590) was responsible for the finely detailed engraving plates. Together they created a monumental work that is still considered a milestone in cartography and urban planning.

Technical details & condition

• Technique: Copper engraving

• Time: ~ 1580

• Size in cm: 32.2 × 41.5

• Place of publication: Cologne

• Condition: Good

• Special feature: Rare original artwork
  
  

The fine lines, clear structures, and hand-colored surfaces testify to high craftsmanship. Age-related signs of wear underscore the authenticity of this over 400-year-old original.

Collector's value & potential uses

This historical cityscape of Tunis is a sought-after collector's item for enthusiasts of:

• antique maps and city views

• Renaissance depictions of Africa

• early cartography and maritime history

• original copper engravings from the 16th century
  
  

Whether as a central wall object , as part of a high-quality map collection or as a historical statement piece – this work combines history, art and cartographic precision in a unique way.

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