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Theatrum Belli Rhenani (Theatre of Rhenish War, Germany)
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This map of Rhenish War, 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 title is loosely translated as “The Theater of the Rhenish War, at the auspicious beginnings of the campaign of the most powerful King of the Romans and of Hungary, Joseph I, pious, fortunate, august, after Landau was gloriously captured, opened in September of the year 1702.” This map of the Upper Rhine region, produced at the outset of the War of the Spanish Succession. Centered on the Rhine and its fortified cities, the map highlights strategic strongholds such as Landau, Strasbourg, Mainz, Speyer, Worms, and Heidelberg, with bastions and defenses carefully drawn to emphasize their military significance. Issued in the immediate aftermath of the Habsburg capture of Landau, the work functions as both a geographic record and a piece of political propaganda, glorifying the early victories of Joseph I, King of the Romans and of Hungary, who is lauded in the inscription as pious, fortunate, and august. True to Homann’s baroque style, the sheet is lavishly embellished with allegorical imagery, including a grand title cartouche celebrating Habsburg triumphs, martial symbols, and heraldic emblems. Small illustrations of encampments, siege works, and troop positions animate the theater of war, turning the landscape into a stage for imperial success.
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
Medium: Copper Engraving
Map Maker: Johann Baptist Homann
Coloring: Original Hand Color
Year: ca. 1720
In stock
