Regnorum Siciliae et Sardiniae nec non Melitae sen Maltae, Insula cum adjectis Italiae et Africae Litoribus Nova...

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Original antique hand-colored copper engraving, from the Homann atlas, published in Nuremberg, 1720. Depicting Sardinia, this map is a fine example of 1720s European cartography. Image: 488 by 578mm (19 by 22 inches). An attractive and historically significant 18th-century map for the discerning collector. Johann Baptist Homann (1664–1724) was the most important German cartographer and publisher of the early 18th century. Born in Bavaria, he founded his cartographic publishing house in Nuremberg in 1702, which rapidly became the leading German map publisher. In 1715, Emperor Charles VI appointed him Imperial Geographer (Kayserlicher Geographus), the highest cartographic honor in the Holy Roman Empire. Homann's maps are known for their superb copper engraving, rich hand coloring, and elaborate allegorical cartouches featuring figures, coats of arms, and historical vignettes. After his death in 1724, the firm continued as 'Homann Erben' (Homann's Heirs) and published maps well into the 19th century. Homann maps are held at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg and major international institutions. A very decorative map of Sicily and Sardinia. With many engraved place-names, rivers. In the upper middle is a allegoric figurative cartouche. Inside the map are a lot of Isles pictured. On the map are same ships to see. At the left lower side is a small picture which shows the region from the famous Vulcan Aetna. A fine example from Grosser Atlas, Nuremberg, sought after by collectors of antique maps of Italy, antique maps of Sardinia, and antique hand-colored copper engravings for sale. In very good condition. Light age-toning to the sheet, as expected for a 18th-century map.

Homann, Johann – Sardinia · Copper Engraving, Hand Colored · Grosser Atlas, Nuremberg · 1720