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Description

Homann's map provides a detailed representation of the Kingdom of Hungary and neighboring territories in the first half of the 18th century. Crafted by Homann, the map credits the work of Johann Christoph Müller, one of the most influential cartographers of his time.

Müller's work stood apart from his contemporaries, as he produced maps based on his own surveys, not merely relying on existing maps. This dedication to authenticity and precision made his work highly valuable. He was entrusted with the task of creating a large-scale general map of Hungary in 1706 and completed drafting the map just a year later. Published in 1709, it represents areas of contemporary Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine. Muller's original wall map was originally produced on four sheets at an approximate scale of 1:550,000, engraved by Johann Andreas Pfeffel and Christian Engelbrecht.  

The map's significance is not confined to geographical precision. It illustrates the key towns of Buda, Pest, Debrecen, Szeged, Ljubljana, and others, representing essential hubs of trade and culture. Rivers such as the Danube, Tisza, Drava, and Sava are portrayed as lifelines for transportation and agriculture. Mountains, including the Carpathians, Transylvanian Alps, and the Pannonian Hills, define the natural landscapes and served as strategic defense points.

An allegorical title cartouche features two eagles holding the cartouche, symbolizing the imperial power and sovereignty, with a cherub at the bottom holding the Hungarian Coat of Arms, an emblem of national pride and identity.

The scale of miles cartouche includes a scene of horsemen galloping through a village, the lead horseman sounding an alarm with a horn, and a crescent moon atop a church spire. This imagery is rife with symbolism relating to the Ottoman occupation that affected much of the region during this period. The crescent moon is a well-recognized symbol of the Ottoman Empire and its placement atop a church spire in this scene likely represents the dominance and influence of the Ottomans in the region.  The frantic scene of horsemen may symbolize a call to resistance against this foreign occupation.  

The political landscape of the time is also represented, with the Kingdom of Hungary under the Habsburgs, including rulers like Charles III and Maria Theresa, Slovenia under the Holy Roman Empire, and the Principality of Transylvania under leaders like Francis II Rákóczi. These details provide insight into the complex interplay of power, governance, and cultural identity during a transformative period in Central European history.

In conclusion, Müller's map of Hungary is a monumental piece of historical cartography. It transcends mere geography, providing a rich tapestry of the sociopolitical landscape of the 18th century. Its details, from the precision of towns and natural features to the allegorical elements in its cartouches, offer a window into a world that shaped the modern nations of Central Europe. Through this map, Johann Christoph Müller has contributed not just to the field of cartography but to a deeper understanding of the history and cultural heritage of the region.

Johann Baptist Homann Biography

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.