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Description

Mapping The Total Eclipse of 1706

Extremely rare Doppelmayer Eclipse map, overprinted on Homann's rare map of the Christian dominions of Europe (Europa Christiani Orbis Domina in sua Imperia, Regna, et Status exacte divisa . . . ).

The map depicts the path of the solar eclipse across Europe on May 12, 1706. The central path of the eclipse is marked with a dotted line and shaded in blue, running through Spain, France, Germany, Poland, and beyond, with a note at the bottom left describing the path and duration of the eclipse from southwest to the northeast across Europe.

We are aware of two maps which address this eclipse. Peter Schenk's map appears on the market occasionally.  This Doppelmayer/Homann map seems to be exceedingly rare.

Condition Description
Old color. Minor toning.
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.