This fine early birds-eye view of Amsterdam is from the ‘Civitates Orbis Terrarum’ which was compiled by George Braun (1541-1622) the Canon of Cologne Cathedral. 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 although this one is unidentified. It was published in the first volume issued in Latin in 1572. The plan is derived from the woodcut plan of Cornelis Antoniszoon published in 1544. It illustrates Amsterdam with its medieval walls and defences. It lays out well the Dutch urban plan with the Amstel River dammed near its mouth and its flow controlled by channels to the sea. An outer harbour is created in the downstream portion, and an inner one from the dammed area. The dam is located at the centre and nearby was the central square for many of the public buildings. At the time of publication Amsterdam was about to overtake Antwerp with its vast increase in trade and commerce. Fauser, A. 360; Koeman II B & H 1 no. 20; Van der Krogt, P. (Atlantes) Amsterdam:41A.1.