 |
||
Arena Martis in Belgio Qua Provinciae X Catholica Inferioris Germania
In stock
This map titled “Arena Martis in Belgio Qua Provinciae X Catholica Inferioris Germania” is a historical cartographic work attributed to Johann Baptist Homann, a renowned German geographer and mapmaker of the early 18th century. This map depicts a region of the Low Countries, specifically focusing on the ten Catholic provinces of the Southern Netherlands, which correspond to present-day Belgium and parts of Northern France. The title, “Arena Martis,” or “Field of Mars,” suggests a land often marked by conflict—apt for a region that was a frequent battleground in European wars of the time. This title is roughly translated “The Field of Mars in Belgium, where the ten Catholic provinces of Lower Germany, together with the neighboring bishoprics of Cologne and Liège and other nearby regions, are newly presented by Johann Homann.”
Rendered in the Baroque cartographic style typical of Homann, the map features elaborate ornamentation, including a detailed cartouche likely decorated with allegorical figures, coats of arms, and martial symbols. The geographic content is meticulously detailed, showing cities, rivers, forests, fortifications, and territorial boundaries. Latin place names are used throughout, and political divisions are color-coded for clarity. Homann’s work exemplifies the blend of scientific precision and artistic flourish that characterized Enlightenment-era cartography. 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: Good - tight margins, staning on bottom left corner
Map Maker: Johann Baptist Homann
Coloring: Original Hand Color
Year: 1720
In stock
