Hogenbergs

Hogenbergs refers to a prominent family of engravers and publishers active in the 16th and 17th centuries, primarily associated with the city of Cologne. The most well-known member was Frans Hogenberg, born in Mechelen around 1535, who became a celebrated engraver and cartographer. He is particularly famous for his detailed city views and maps, many of which were published in George Braun and Franz Hogenberg's monumental work, Civitates orbis terrarum (Cities of the World). This atlas, published from 1572 to 1617, is considered one of the most important collections of city views from that period.

Frans Hogenberg's brother, Johannes Hogenberg, was also an engraver and worked on similar projects. The family's work provided invaluable visual records of European cities and landscapes during a period of significant change and exploration. Their engravings were characterized by their meticulous detail and accurate depictions, making them highly sought after by collectors and scholars alike. The Hogenberg workshop in Cologne was a center for artistic and technical innovation in printmaking. The legacy of the Hogenberg family lies in their contribution to cartography, urban history, and the art of engraving, with their works continuing to be studied and admired for their historical and aesthetic significance.