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The item illustrated and described below is sold, but we have another example in stock. To view the example which is currently being offered for sale, click the "View Details" button below.
Description

Gorgeous full color example of Homann's map of the world in full wash color. California is shown attached to the mainland, but with a highly conjectural coastline headed nearly due west to Japan. Very incomplete Australia and still only one coastline for New Zealand. Only a small piece of Antarctica is shown, and inaccurately so. The double hemisphere map is embellished with two full cellestial hemipsheres, two models showing seasons, 24 windheads, cherubs holding the title bannear aloft, representations of rainbows, rain, the eruption of Mount Etna and other real and imagined natural phenomena, flora and fauna. Restorations in the text at the lower right corner and in two places on the right side of the centerfold, affecting the text below the map only and several other repaired tears at or near the centerfold. Normally a $2800-$3500 map, this example has been discounted to account for the condition, but remains a highly decorative map. The restorations can been seen only upon close inspection and do not detract from the visual appeal.

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.