Original antique map of Southern Sweden and the Copenhagen area, published by J.B. Homann, one of the most prolific cartographers during the first half of the 18th Century. It shows the provinces ceded to Sweden following the Treaty of Roskilde in1658.
Malmo, Copenhagen, Lund, and Helsingborg to the south and Kalmar, Falkenberg, and Varberg in the north are feature. An inset located in the top right corner details "Hallandia Septentrionale," further extending to the city of Gothenburg, just beyond the northern border of Hallandia.
Rugged coastlines, with islands, show Scandinavia's unique maritime landscape, whilst inland, the intricate network of lakes and rivers are accuratley detailed
The elaborate title cartouche, with Mermen depicted fishing with spears, a possible allegory for man's harnessing of the seas or the bounty and challenges that the ocean presents is characteristic of the period.
Historically a part of Denmark, the 17th century saw intense battles between Sweden and Denmark for control over this region. By the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658, Denmark ceded Scania, Halland and Blekinge to Sweden.
By the early 18th century, as Europe underwent significant political transformations and as Sweden rose as a significant power, these regions had largely been integrated into the Swedish kingdom.
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 the "Grosser Atlas ueber die ganze Welt", (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.
