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Nice example of J.B. Homann's map of Spain and Portugal, including an elaborate cartouche.
The cartouche is a masterful example of Baroque decorative art, rich with allegorical elements and regional symbolism. Dominating the center is the main coat of arms of Spain, flanked by two cherubs, reflecting the unity of the Spanish kingdoms under a singular crown. The text beneath the central arms indicates that the map was designed for academic purposes, authorized by Homann under imperial privilege.
Surrounding the central shield are various coats of arms representing key regions within Spain, arranged in descending order. On the left, the shields of Castilla (Castile), Navarra, Toledo, Gallicia (Galicia), Andaluzia (Andalusia), Murcia, and Catalonia appear sequentially. On the right, corresponding shields represent Leon, Aragonia (Aragon), Granada, Valentia (Valencia), Majorca, Cordua (Córdoba), and Biscaya (Biscay). Each of these symbols is deeply rooted in the historical identities of their respective regions. For instance, the lion of León and the castle of Castile are enduring symbols of the powerful medieval kingdoms that formed the core of Spain, while the chains of Navarra and the pomegranate of Granada reflect pivotal conquests and cultural identities.
The cartouche is further enriched by mythological figures. Mermen, holding shields at the lower section, emerge from the waves, emphasizing Spain’s connection to the sea and its expansive maritime influence. The flowing, dynamic lines of the waves contrast with the solid, heraldic structure of the shields, creating a visually striking composition.
Johann Baptiste Homann, patriarch of this important 18th Century family of map makers whose work dominated German cartographic publishing for over 100 years, produced at least 3 different maps of Iberia which bear his name. The present example may be distinguished by the decorative embellishments to the scale of miles in the lower left corner. Other editions of the map include an edition with the same title cartouche and decorative embellishments in the upper right corner, but with a different scale in the lower left and an edition with a cartouche in the lower right corner and an elaborate military battle between the cartouche and the Mediterranean coastline of Spain and a slightly different title. This would appear to be the earlier of the two maps with this title in the cartouche, with the later being completely re-engraved and with more details and updated.
The map provides a detailed coverage of the geographical and topographical features of Spain & Portugal, including cities, towns, castles, mountains, rivers and islands.
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.
![[ Spain & Portugal ] Regnorum Hispaniae et Portugalliae Tabula generalis de l'Isliana aucta et ad Usum Scholarum novissime accomodata . . .](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/85142.jpg)