Matthaus Merian began publishing the 'Theatrum Europaeum' in 1633, it was not finished until 1738 by which time 21 volumes had been issued including some 20,000 pages of text, 720 maps, plans, views and other engravings and nearly 700 portraits. Many of the earliest plates were issued in Johann Angel von Werdenhagen's 'De Rebus Publicis Hanseaticus' of 1644 including this fine plan of Cologne. Two keys help to identify 49 places on the map. Shirley BL G.Werd 1a no. 85 & G.Mer 1a.