Showrooms

18th Century Hand Colored Homann Africa Map "Totius Africae Nova Representatio"

Creator: Johann Baptist Homann
Offered by: Timeless Intaglio – Rare Prints, Maps & Books

Description
This is a scarce richly hand colored copper plate engraved map of Africa entitled "Totius Africae Nova Representatio qua praeter diverson in ea Status et Re guines" by Johann Baptist Homann (1664-1724), published in Nuremberg, Germany in 1716. The map was an early representation of the recent discoveries in Africa by European explorers, but contained many inaccuracies. For example, the Nile River is seen arising from two adjacent lakes and fictional islands are shown scattered about the continent.

The very elaborate and decorative cartouche features a group of Africans with ivory tusks, a large tortoise and other animals, with a landscape background and cupids overhead.

This striking map of Africa is presented in a gold and black wood frame. There is a central vertical fold, as issued, with minimal separation of the lower portion, best seen with magnification. There are some small spots and mild frame abrasions. The map is otherwise in very good condition.

Johann Baptist Homann (1663-1724) was a mapmaker who founded a respected and prolific publishing company, which continued long after his death as Homann Heirs. Homann 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.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Period:	Pre 18th Century
Condition:	Good.
Creation Date:	1716
Styles / Movements:	African, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	572698

Dimensions

W.	24.75 in;	H.	21 in;	D.	1 in;
W.	62.87 cm;	H.	53.34 cm;	D.	2.54 cm;

Message from Seller:

Timeless Intaglio is an online gallery of rare and collectable antiquarian prints, maps and books. Although we specialize in all forms of vintage printed works on paper, the majority were created with the intaglio method of transferring ink from a plate, usually copper, to paper with a technique utilizing pressure generated by a press. Email us directly: rbreiman@timelessintaglio.com