"Scandinavia complectens Sveciae, Daniae et Norvegiæ regna"
An original 18th-century antique map by cartographer Johann Baptist Homann illustrating the kingdoms of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
The Latin title translates as "Scandinavia comprising the kingdoms of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway."
It was poublished by Homann Heirs (Homann Heredi) in Nuremberg c1730 and is hand coloured. This is old colouring buyt may not be contempoaray.
The map depicts the geopolitical landscape after the Swedish Empire's expansion, including areas acquired in the 17th century, such as southern provinces from Denmark.
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.
