1746 Americae Mappa Generalis
By: Homann Heirs
Date: 1746 (dated) Nuremberg
Dimensions: 18.5 x 21.25 inches (47 x 54 cm)
A spectacular engraving with full original color by a most talented mapmaker, publisher, and printer in Nuremberg during the first half of the 18th century, John Baptist Homann. He was also geographer to the Kaiser of the Holy Roman Empire and a member of the Prussian Royal Academy of Science. After his death, his maps continued to be issued by his heirs, and their firm produced handsome and detailed maps that had great circulation throughout Europe.
This is their mid-century map of the western hemisphere. Political information is depicted using contrasting colors. Interior waterways are exaggerated a bit, but the rendering is basically in line with current knowledge. For instance, California is shown properly as a peninsula and the unknown northwestern lands are left blank, rather than filled in with guesswork.
The Homann Heirs maps, like those of the first Homann, are especially noted for their elaborate cartouches, and this map is a good example. The cartouche has two volcanoes exploding in the distance, and two pairs of Native Americans are shown in the European notion of native dress. Trade goods, some local fauna and two parrots finish off this delightful baroque image.
Condition: This beautiful authentic antique map is in A condition, with some stains in right margin.
Inventory: #12318
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