Homann, Johann Baptist
Regni Mexicani seu Novae Hispaniae Ludovicianae, N. Angliae, Carolinae, Virginiae et Pensylvaniae, nec non Insularum,...
- Published: Nürnberg
- Published date: 1716
- Technique: Copper engraving / Original color.
- Issue date: 1716-20
- Category: New Mexico - Louisiana - Florida
- Type: map
- Size: 473 by 572mm (18 by 22 inches).
- Stock number: 29550
- Condition: A strong impression, overall in very good condition. 473 by 572mm (18 by 22 inches).
Article description
Original antique copper engraving, hand colored in outline and wash, when published. This famous map of the Southeast of North America was published in J. B. Homann´s famous printing house in Nürnberg after the cartographic sources by G. de Isle in 1703 and is also based on the explorations by La Salle. The map is ornated with highly decorative allegories on the Spanish exploration in the West Indies and New Mexico. In the upper left corner the engraved title in the allegoric title cartouche with the engraved 'privilegium' (second state, Louisiana is now named 'Ludoviciana' instead of 'Florida' from the first state). The map itself provides a very good information on many place names, rivers, mountains and lakes. Johann Baptist Homann (20 March 1664 – 1 July 1724) was a German geographer and cartographer, who also made maps of the Americas. Homann was born in Oberkammlach near Kammlach in the Electorate of Bavaria. Although educated at a Jesuit school, and preparing for an ecclesiastical career, he eventually converted to Protestantism and from 1687 worked as a civil law notary in Nuremberg. He soon turned to engraving and cartography; in 1702 he founded his own publishing house. Homann acquired renown as a leading German cartographer, and in 1715 was appointed Imperial Geographer by Emperor Charles VI. Giving such privileges to individuals was an added right that the Holy Roman Emperor enjoyed. In the same year he was also named a member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences in Berlin. Of particular significance to cartography were the imperial printing privileges (Latin: privilegia impressoria). These protected for a time the authors in all scientific fields such as printers, copper engravers, map makers and publishers. They were also very important as a recommendation for potential customers. In 1716 Homann published his masterpiece Grosser Atlas ueber die ganze Welt (Grand Atlas of all the World). Numerous maps were drawn up in cooperation with the engraver Christoph Weigel the Elder, who also published Siebmachers Wappenbuch. Homann died in Nuremberg in 1724. He was succeeded by his son Johann Christoph (1703-1730). The company carried on upon his death as Homann heirs company, managed by Johann Michael Franz and Johann Georg Ebersberger. After subsequent changes in management the company folded in 1852.[1] The company was known as "Homann Erben", "Homanniani Heredes", or "Heritiers de Homann" abroad. (Wikipedia)