The first edition of the rarer plan of Cambray in northern France from the fifth volume of the ‘Civitates Orbis Terrarum’ which was compiled by George Braun (1541-1622) the Canon of Cologne Cathedral. It was first published with the only Latin text edition in 1598. An earlier image had been published in the fourth volumes issued in 1588. The heavily fortified city was situated in the bitterly fought territory between France and the Holy Roman Empire and the Spanish Netherlands. The central square now called the Place Aristide Briand stands out as does the original large Cathedral of Notre Dame to its left. During the French Revolution this was converted into a grain storehouse in 1793. Three years later it was sold to a merchant who promptly demolished it to sell the stone. In 1804 the cathedral site was moved to the Abbey of the Holy Sepuchre lettered ‘g’ below.

Braun produced a total of over 500 city views and maps published in six parts between 1572 and 1617. Most of the engraving was the work of Simon Novellanus and Frans Hogenberg (1535-1590), many after drawings by George Hoefnagel. Published in the fifth volume first issued in 1598. Koeman (1967-70) II B & H 5 no. 21.