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This striking early 18th-century map depicts the Duchy and Principality of Tyrol, an important region of the Holy Roman Empire, encompassing present-day western Austria and northern Italy. The map highlights the episcopal territories of Trient (Trento) and Brixen (Bressanone), as well as the counties of Brigantium (Bregenz), Feldkirch, Sonneberg, and Pludentium.
The map is rich with geographical and administrative details, showcasing numerous place names, towns, and villages, as well as rivers, valleys, and the rugged alpine terrain that characterizes the region
The lower right corner features an elaborate figurative title cartouche, a hallmark of Homann’s cartographic artistry. The scene within the cartouche captures a quintessential Alpine setting, possibly referencing the economic activities of the region, such as mining and trade. Figures dressed in traditional attire are depicted against the backdrop of a dramatic mountain landscape, symbolizing Tyrol’s rugged natural beauty and economic vitality.
At the time this map was produced, Tyrol was a strategically important region within the Holy Roman Empire, serving as a key transit point between Germanic and Italian states. The ecclesiastical centers of Trient and Brixen held significant religious and political influence, acting as power hubs within the region.
Johann Baptist Homann (1663-1724) was a mapmaker who founded the famous Homann Heirs 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. 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 business passed to his son, Christoph (1703-1730). Upon Christoph’s early death, the company passed to subsequent heirs, with the name of the company changing to Homann Erben, or Homann Heirs. The firm continued in business until 1848.
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