- You cannot add another "Gulf of Venezuela, Peninsula de Guajira, Castilletes Anchorage and Approaches" to your cart. View cart
 |
||
Imperium Romano Germanicum in Suos Circulos Divisum (Holy Roman Empire, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany)
In stock
This map of the Holy Roman Empire, 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 1732 Homann map depicts the Holy Roman Empire with a focus on its administrative organization into Imperial Circles. The region includes the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Each circle is typically outlined or color-coded to distinguish it from neighboring regions, allowing viewers to see at a glance the political subdivisions of the empire. The map likely includes major cities, rivers, and mountain ranges, as well as state boundaries, illustrating both political and geographical relationships. Homann, renowned for his detailed and decorative cartography, probably enhanced the map with ornamental cartouches, coats of arms, and symbolic figures, which were common features of his 18th-century maps. Overall, the map serves as both a practical political reference for understanding the complex structure of the Holy Roman Empire and a beautiful example of early modern German mapmaking, combining accuracy with artistry.
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 - staining, age toning
Medium: Copper Engraving
Map Maker: Homann Heirs
Coloring: Original Hand Color
Year: 1732
In stock
