European Cities by Martin Hürlimann

Martin Hürlimann (1897 in Zürich – 1984) was a Swiss publisher, better known in the English speaking world as a photographer. Following successful completion, at Frauenfeld, of his school career, Hürlimann went on to study History, German literature and Philosophy at Zürich, Leipzig and Berlin universities.

In 1929 Hürlimann founded the newspaper “Atlantis”, based in Berlin and specialising in international travel and related themes. In 1930 he founded “Atlantis Verlag”, a publishing house, taking over from Ernest Wasmuth publication of the “Orbis Terrarum” series of books.

His photographic work was published in a number of books. Western European cities were a common theme, but he also photographed Ceylon and Southeast Asia.

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Photogravure of the Zwinger palace of Dresden, Germany (Deutschland). The palace is noted for its Baroque architecture. The building was completed in 1728, and served as a library and exhibition gallery. Photograph by Martin Hürlimann, 1934 via

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Photogravure of the old town house in Potsdam, Germany (Deutschland). It was constructed by Jan Bouman in 1755. A sculpture of Atlas holding the world sits on top of the building. Photograph by Martin Hürlimann, 1934 via

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Photogravure of the west facade of the medieval Lichfield Cathedral in Lichfield, England. Photograph by Martin Hürlimann, 1935 via

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The pavilion in the garden of the Abbey of Echternach in Luxembourg. Photograph by Martin Hürlimann and Horst Hanck-Jentsch, 1932 via

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Photogravure of St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) with the Doge’s Palace in Venice, Italy. Photograph by Martin Hürlimann, 1935 via

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The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Bayonne or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayonne commonly known as Bayonne Cathedral, France. Photograph by Martin Hürlimann, 1927 via