|
||
|
|
|
|
This is a striking early 18th-century map of the Danish islands in the Baltic Sea, published by Johann Baptist Homann (1664–1724), the influential German cartographer and founder of the Homann Heirs publishing house. The map provides a detailed depiction of the major islands that constituted Denmark at the time, including Zealand (Zeelandia), Funen (Fionia), Langeland (Langelandia), Lolland (Lalandia), Falster (Falstria), and the island of Møn (Fembria Mona).
The map is very detailed, with each island outlined in a distinct hue to differentiate political or administrative boundaries. Zealand, the largest and most politically significant island, is prominently displayed in yellow, home to the Danish capital, Copenhagen (Hafnia), which is clearly marked. The island of Funen is shaded in pink, while Lolland and Falster, important for their agricultural and maritime trade roles, appear in green and red respectively.
A notable feature of this map is its elaborate title cartouche, located in the lower right corner. The title is presented within an ornamental frame flanked by two allegorical figures holding the Danish royal coat of arms. Below the title, a richly illustrated maritime scene includes sailing ships, a fortified coastal city (Cronenburg and Helfingnoer), and an elaborate representation of Neptune and his tritons, emphasizing Denmark’s naval power and dominance in the Baltic trade.
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.
![[ Jutland ] Zeecaarte van't Noor der deel van de Belt](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/40362se.jpg)
