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This early 18th Century map of Scandinavia provides a richly detailed representation of the Nordic region, encompassing Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, as well as the Baltic regions of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
The map captures the geography, political divisions, and key settlements of the time, with hand-colored borders demarcating administrative territories. Prominent topographical features, including mountains, forests, rivers, and coastlines, are meticulously depicted, showcasing the natural and political complexity of Scandinavia in the early 18th century.
A striking decorative cartouche in the upper-left corner features an allegorical portrait of Charles XII, King of Sweden (r. 1697–1718). Depicted in military attire, Charles XII’s image emphasizes his role as a warrior king during the Great Northern War (1700–1721), a conflict that profoundly shaped the region’s history. The surrounding allegorical elements, including martial motifs, highlight the monarch's influence and the significance of his reign in shaping Sweden's role as a dominant power in Northern Europe.
The map’s geographic details include the accurate depiction of major cities such as Stockholm, Copenhagen, Christiania (modern-day Oslo), and Helsinki, as well as smaller towns and regions throughout the peninsula. The Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia are prominently featured, underscoring their importance to trade and naval power in the region. At the time of this map's production, Finland was still under Swedish control, a relationship reflected in its inclusion as part of Sweden’s territories.
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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