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Potentissimae Helvetiorum Reipublicae Cantones Tredecim… (Swiss Republic – Switzerland)
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This map of the Swiss Republic (Switzerland), appeared in Homann’s Atlas Scholasticus. The title page of the atlas is labeled “Atlas Minor XXVI. Selectarum Tabularum Geographicum Homanni Secundum Methodum Huberni aliorumque recentorium geographorum dispositus et recognitus” – which translates as a selection of 26 geographic maps by Homann, arranged and revised according to the method of Hübner and other recent geographers. This scarce atlas, referred to as a Kleiner (meaning small/minor) atlas, included 26 selected maps by Homann, guided by Johann Hubner. This atlas also included a copper engraved, hand-colored title page as frontispiece from the Atlas Novus Terrarum Orbis Imperia by M. Rössler. Based on research, this atlas was most likely compiled between 1720 – 1737.
This map is one of the most elaborate early 18th-century depictions of Switzerland, it captures the complex political structure of the Old Swiss Confederacy at a time when it consisted of thirteen sovereign cantons, along with their allied states and subject territories. Mountain ranges, rivers, and lakes are carefully rendered, conveying the rugged Alpine geography that shaped Swiss history. Major towns such as Zürich, Bern, Lucerne, and Geneva are marked, alongside smaller fortified settlements and trade routes. Homann gave the map a striking baroque cartouche, which is filled with rich allegory: coats of arms of the cantons, symbols of civic liberty and unity, and figures representing Helvetia (the national personification of Switzerland). Heraldic emblems and military motifs emphasize the strength (potentissimae) of the confederation despite its fragmented political makeup.
Johann Baptist Homann (1663-1724) was a mapmaker who founded the famous Homann publishing company. He lived his entire life in Bavaria, particularly in Nuremberg. Initially, Johann trained to become a priest before converting to Protestantism and working as a notary. In 1702, Johann founded a publishing house that specialized in engravings. The firm flourished, becoming the leading map publisher in Germany and an important entity in the European map market. In 1715, Johann was named Imperial Geographer to the Holy Roman Empire by Charles VI and made a member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences. Most importantly for his business, his reputation and contacts gained him imperial printing privileges which protected his publications and recommended him to customers. That privilege was noted on his maps as “Cum Priviligio.” Johann is best known for this Grosser Atlas ueber die ganze Welt, or the Grand Atlas of the World, published in 1716. After Johann died in 1724, the map plates and management of the company passed to his son, Johann Christoph (1703-1730). In Johann Christoph’s will, he stipulated that the company would be inherited by his two head managers – and that it would publish only under the name “Homann Heirs.” The firm continued in business until 1848.
Condition: Very good - age toning throughout
Medium: Copper Engraving
Map Maker: Homann Heirs
Coloring: Original Hand Color
Year: 1732
In stock
