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Circuli Supe Saxoniae Pars Meridionalis (Saxony, Germany)
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This map of Saxony, 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.
Circuli Supe. Saxoniae Pars Meridionalis sive Ducatus, Electoratus et Principatus Ducum Saxoniae was first published in 1734, with subsequent editions appearing circa 1750, the map depicts the southern portion of the Upper Saxony Circle (Circulus Saxoniae Superioris) within the Holy Roman Empire. It focuses on the duchies, electorates, and principalities under Saxon rule, offering a detailed political and topographical view of the region during a period of fragmented feudal governance in what is now modern-day Germany. The map covers a broad area including major cities like Dresden, Leipzig, and Meissen, extending east toward the borderlands near Bohemia (modern Czech Republic) and northward toward Berlin. It features rivers such as the Elbe, as well as forests, mountain ranges, and roadways—all engraved with precision typical of Homann’s work.
Aesthetically, the map includes a richly decorated title cartouche in the left corner, which may include allegorical figures such as Hermes (symbolizing commerce), a warrior with a Medusa-headed shield, and scenes referencing Saxony’s mining wealth. These decorative elements not only served artistic purposes but also symbolized the economic and cultural identity of the region.
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: Homann Heirs
Coloring: Original Hand Color
Year: 1734
In stock
