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This early 18th-century map, created by Johann Baptist Homann, depicts the Kingdom of Prussia and its surrounding regions.
The map covers East Prussia, West Prussia, and portions of Pomerania and Poland, with key cities such as Königsberg (modern Kaliningrad), Danzig (modern Gdańsk), and Warsaw prominently marked. Bordered by the Baltic Sea to the north, the map showcases rivers, forests, and other topographical features that are carefully delineated and hand-colored to highlight territorial divisions. Homann’s work exemplifies the Baroque fusion of scientific cartography and artistic embellishment.
Dominating the upper-left portion of the map is an elaborate allegorical cartouche celebrating the foundation of the Kingdom of Prussia in 1701 under Frederick I (formerly Frederick III as Elector of Brandenburg). At the center of this cartouche is a bust portrait of Frederick I, framed within an ornate border that underscores his central role in the creation of the kingdom. Above the portrait is the motto "SUUM CUIQUE" ("To each his own"), a reference to the Order of the Black Eagle, Prussia’s highest chivalric order established by Frederick. Surrounding the portrait are symbols of monarchy and imperial authority, including the Prussian royal crown and coat of arms, which emphasize the legitimacy of Frederick’s new title.
Classical allegorical figures further enhance the cartouche’s grandeur. Minerva, representing wisdom and strategy, stands with a spear and helmet, while other deities embody virtues such as justice, victory, and abundance. Cherubs, or putti, add a playful element as they support the shield of the Prussian eagle and other state emblems, symbolizing divine favor and heavenly blessings upon the newly crowned monarch. Trumpeting angels and laurel wreaths evoke a theme of triumph and coronation.
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.
![[ Marshal Oudinot Copy ] Landes-Grenze zwischen dem Königreich Preussen und dem Herzogthum Warschau nach der am 10ten November 1807, dem Tilsiter Friedens Tractat vom 9ten Juli 1807 gemäss, zu Elbing abgeschlossenen Convention und der im Jahre 1808 darauf erfolgten örtlichen Begrenzung, als Supplement, der von Schröttersche](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/99041.jpg)
