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.
![[California as an Island - First State!] Totius Americae Septentrionalis et Meridionalis Novissima Representatio . . .](/map/small/69781.jpg)
Nice example of the first edition of Johann Baptiste Homann's map of America, showing California as an Island on the second Sanson model and pre-dating Homann's privilege. The Straits of Anian are shown forming a Northwest Passage between California...
Decorative map of the Black Sea Region, with a large decorative cartouche surmounted by the Russian Imperial Coat of Arms. The map extends north to Moscow and Smolensk from Constantinople in the south.
Utopia -- The Slothful Variety Despite the name, the map is note a reflection of St. Thomas More's ideal society. Schlarraffenland is the German Fool's Paradise, a land of vice and debauchery. The map follows the theme of Hans Sachs Der Meistersinger...
![[Title Page] Atlas Novus Terrarum Orbis Imperia Regna et Status exactis Tabulis Geographice demonstrans . . .](/map/small/54916.jpg)
Highly decorative title page, from Homann's Atlas Novus. Includes an allegorical image of Atlas holding the World aloft, along with images of Triton, Mercury and a number of other gods, overlooking a projection of the Globe showing Africa and Europe....
Fine set of three scientific instruments, engraved for Johann Baptiste Homann in Nuremberg. Included are decorative illustrations of a celestial globe, terrestrial globe and armillary sphere, with an explanation in Latin.
Striking full-color example of Homann's map of the Course of the Mississippi River, based upon the reports of Hennepin, who explored the upper Mississippi and Great Lakes regions as a Jesuit Missionary in the late 1600s. The map follows the work of De...
Gorgeous full color example of Homann's map of the Northeast, extending north to include Maine and the St. Lawrence and south to include virtually all of New Jersey. In the early 18th Century, German interest in North America and the prospect of...
A nice example of JB Homann's map of Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina and South Carolina. Cartouche shows the splendor of the new world and the riches it provides. One of the most decorative maps of the area, intended to promote German...
![[Total Eclipse of 1706] Eclipseos Solis Totalis cum mora, d: 12 Maji 1706, horis antem: in Europa celebratae, Geographica Repraesentatio, in qua Centralis Umbrae Tractus ac reliquae Magnitudines suis locis cometentes, ex Illustrium Virorum observationibu](/map/small/58590.jpg)
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...
Striking example of this decorative map of the British Isles, with spectacular large format cartouche, coat of arms and portait of Queen Anne and an allegorical representation of Europe resting on a globe. From Homann's Atlas Novus Terrarum. Gorgeous...
Decorative map of England, title cartouche, two coats of arms and decorative vignette. Includes a scene of scene with the Royal Court presiding. Large allegorical cartouche and two coats of arms.
Striking Early 18th Century Map of the Kingdom of Scotland Fine dark impression of Johann Baptiste Homann's decorative map of Scotland, with 2 large format cartouches, coats of arms and other decorations. Credit is given to Nicholas Visscher as the...
Fine early 18th Century map of Ireland, colored by regions and showing the towns, roads, counties, rivers, lakes, castles, etc. Includes two marvelous cartouches, coats of arms and allegorical details.
Finely colored early 18th Century map of Ireland, colored by regions and showing the towns, roads, counties, rivers, lakes, castles, etc. Includes two marvelous cartouches, coats of arms and allegorical details.
Nice example of Homann's map of Amsterdam, along with a striking birds-eye view of the city. Marvelous panoramic view, flanked by scenes of commerce. Amsterdam is shown after its period of explosive growth during the late 16th and 17th centuries, which...
Striking example of Homann's decorative map of the Savoy and Piedmont regions, centered on Torino. The map coverage extends from Grenoble, Geneva, Die and Romans, to Genoa and Milan. Highly detailed, with excellent graphical representation of the...
