HIGHLY DECORATIVE MAP OF ARCHDUCHY OF AUSTRIA, CZECH REPUBLIC, BOHEMIA, SLOVAKIA, MORAVIA, SLOVENIA, CROATIA, HUNGARY, SOUTH GERMANY, NORTH ITALY, BALKANS, and EAST EUROPE... by Johann Baptist HOMANN (1664-1724). PLEASE NOTE: the buyer will also receive a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). This is Homann's depiction of the GERMAN EMPIRE and printed in Nuremberg in 1747, as written in the cartouche at the top left, first photo. Genuine antique copper engraving, beautiful colours, very good condition, no particular cuts or defects to report, normal small imperfections due to time as per photo, laid paper with chain lines and watermark, centre fold as published, on the back remains of the original binding, please see the photo. To complete the documentation, the photo of the title of the work is also published with the name of the artists who created the prints. This map is one of the best German productions of the 1700s. TITLE/DESCRIPTION: "Circulus Austriacus Quem Componut Archiducatus Austriae, Ducatus Stiriae, Carinthiae, Carnioliae, Comitatus Tyrolensis..." (The Austrian Circle, Composed of the Archduchy of Austria, the Duchy of Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, the County of Tyrol...). From the book; "Grosser Atlas or Atlas Novus" and printed in Nürnberg, first edition 1716. Sheet size height 502 x width 610 mm (19.8 by 24.1 inches). The map shows the area between the Upper Rhine and Heidelberg in the northwest, large parts of Switzerland down to Milan in the southwest, Croatia in the southeast, over Vienna and Pressburg (Bratislava) to the Czech Republic with Prague in the northeast. The House of Habsburg-Lorraine originated from the marriage in 1736 of Francis III, Duke of Lorraine and Bar, and Maria Theresa of Austria, later successively Queen of Bohemia, Queen of Hungary, Queen of Germany, Queen of Croatia and Archduchess of Austria, etc. The Empire was known for its fragmented structure, composed of numerous semi-independent states, which the map effectively illustrates. The decorative title cartouche in the upper left corner shows the coats of arms of the provinces of Austria, Tyrol, Carniola, Carinthia, Stiria surrounded by puttos. AUTHOR/CARTOGRAPHER: 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 Nürnberg. 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. LITERATURE/REFERENCES: Shirley, pp. 542-565; Tooley, Dictionary of map makers, p. 308; Phillips 586; Sandler 122; Imago Mundi Vol. 49, 1997, pp 104-115; Shirley, Atlases, T.HOM-1a-11a. SHIPPING: via UPS, DHL, National Postal Services, protected, INSURED and fully tracked package. Estimated time for Europe 3-5 working days. Shipping within one working day, you can combine shipping if you purchases several items from us, saving money and time.