D-002
Antique Map of Asia by Johann Baptist Homann. Nuremberg, Germany, 1720-1730
Original map of Asia, 17201730, by Johann Baptist Homann, hand-coloured, with Baroque cartouches and a gilded frame. A piece of great value.
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Antique Map of Asia by Johann Baptist Homann. Nuremberg, Germany, 17201730
Exceptional map of Asia by cartographer Johann Baptist Homann, dated between 1720 and 1730 and engraved in Nuremberg by his renowned workshop, Homannische Erben. A work of remarkable cartographic, aesthetic, and historical value, it retains its original hand-applied colour, vividly highlighting the territorial and political divisions of the era.
The map elegantly depicts the Asian continent as it was known in the 18th century. It shows the Russian Empire, the Chinese Empire, the Mughal Empire, Persia, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the East Indies. Also depicted are enigmatic or poorly defined regions, such as Nova Hollandia (an early name for Australia), Terra Esonis, and the Mare Tartaricum Glaciale, which reflect the state of European geographical knowledge at the height of the era of commercial expansion.
Two exquisitely crafted Baroque cartouches stand out. In the lower left corner, an allegorical scene symbolises Asia with merchants, exotic animals, and references to Eastern wealth, including a lion, a dromedary, and fine textiles. In the upper right corner, a Latin text explains the maps content and purpose, framed by human figures and architectural motifs. Both elements reflect the ornamental style typical of German Baroque and lend the piece great visual appeal.
The work is in excellent condition, with a slight patina of age that reinforces its authenticity. The colour, delicately applied by hand, remains vivid and vibrant. It is framed in gilded wood, with slight signs of age that complement its appearance without detracting from it. There are no visible modern restorations or alterations that compromise its original integrity.
Ideal for hanging in a library, a classic living room, or a refined office, this map is also well-suited to enrich any specialised cartographic collection or to be displayed in a gallery or museum. A work that masterfully blends geographical knowledge, graphic art, and 18th-century cultural expression.
A gem that should not be missing from any serious collection of antique maps.
Dimensions: 62 x 54 cm (24.4 x 21.2 in) | Visible image: 57 x 48 cm (22.4 x 18.9 in).
History of Johann Baptist Homann
Johann Baptist Homann (16641724) was one of the most important German cartographers of the Baroque period. Born in Bavaria, he trained as an engraver before founding his own cartographic publishing house in Nuremberg in 1702. His workshop soon became a leading centre for the production of maps and atlases in Europe. In 1715, he was awarded the title of Imperial Geographer by the Holy Roman Emperor, which cemented his international reputation. His maps, often hand-coloured and decorated with allegorical scenes, are noted for their precision and beauty. After his death, the company continued under the name Homannische Erben (Homanns Heirs), publishing works throughout the 18th century. Homanns maps are today highly sought after by collectors, libraries, and museums, not only for their geographical accuracy but also for their artistic and decorative richness. This map of Asia perfectly reflects that legacy, with its detailed depiction of Eastern empires, its allegorical cartouche, and its balanced composition, making it one of the most representative examples of his work.
Exceptional map of Asia by cartographer Johann Baptist Homann, dated between 1720 and 1730 and engraved in Nuremberg by his renowned workshop, Homannische Erben. A work of remarkable cartographic, aesthetic, and historical value, it retains its original hand-applied colour, vividly highlighting the territorial and political divisions of the era.
The map elegantly depicts the Asian continent as it was known in the 18th century. It shows the Russian Empire, the Chinese Empire, the Mughal Empire, Persia, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the East Indies. Also depicted are enigmatic or poorly defined regions, such as Nova Hollandia (an early name for Australia), Terra Esonis, and the Mare Tartaricum Glaciale, which reflect the state of European geographical knowledge at the height of the era of commercial expansion.
Two exquisitely crafted Baroque cartouches stand out. In the lower left corner, an allegorical scene symbolises Asia with merchants, exotic animals, and references to Eastern wealth, including a lion, a dromedary, and fine textiles. In the upper right corner, a Latin text explains the maps content and purpose, framed by human figures and architectural motifs. Both elements reflect the ornamental style typical of German Baroque and lend the piece great visual appeal.
The work is in excellent condition, with a slight patina of age that reinforces its authenticity. The colour, delicately applied by hand, remains vivid and vibrant. It is framed in gilded wood, with slight signs of age that complement its appearance without detracting from it. There are no visible modern restorations or alterations that compromise its original integrity.
Ideal for hanging in a library, a classic living room, or a refined office, this map is also well-suited to enrich any specialised cartographic collection or to be displayed in a gallery or museum. A work that masterfully blends geographical knowledge, graphic art, and 18th-century cultural expression.
A gem that should not be missing from any serious collection of antique maps.
Dimensions: 62 x 54 cm (24.4 x 21.2 in) | Visible image: 57 x 48 cm (22.4 x 18.9 in).
History of Johann Baptist Homann
Johann Baptist Homann (16641724) was one of the most important German cartographers of the Baroque period. Born in Bavaria, he trained as an engraver before founding his own cartographic publishing house in Nuremberg in 1702. His workshop soon became a leading centre for the production of maps and atlases in Europe. In 1715, he was awarded the title of Imperial Geographer by the Holy Roman Emperor, which cemented his international reputation. His maps, often hand-coloured and decorated with allegorical scenes, are noted for their precision and beauty. After his death, the company continued under the name Homannische Erben (Homanns Heirs), publishing works throughout the 18th century. Homanns maps are today highly sought after by collectors, libraries, and museums, not only for their geographical accuracy but also for their artistic and decorative richness. This map of Asia perfectly reflects that legacy, with its detailed depiction of Eastern empires, its allegorical cartouche, and its balanced composition, making it one of the most representative examples of his work.
