c1720 - A large original engraved map titled: " Magnae Britanniae pars Meridionalis in qua Regnum Angliae tam in Septem Antiqua..... "
A fine detailed 18th century map of England & Wales also showing part of Southern Scotland, Isle of Man, eastern sea of Ireland and a small part of France. Beautiful title cartouche shows the coat of arms of the United Kingdom, in the lower left the coat of arms of England surrounded by Putti. Below a scene with Queen Anne on the throne.

Generally good condition. There has been some restoration work at the lower left, next to the Queen Anne scene which includes closed tears and the reverse appears to have been covered with a rice paper restoration.

Overall size approximately 50cm x 59cm including margins. Blank on verso. Central fold and later hand colouring. 

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.