This fascinating map, published in 1788 by the heirs of Johann Baptist Homann (often referred to as Homann Erben or Homann Heirs), depicts Austria along with the region known as Vorderösterreich (or Further Austria)—the collective name given in the early modern period to the scattered Habsburg possessions in southwestern Germany (the former Swabia). The map provides detailed coverage of present-day Slovenia, Tyrol, Carniola, Carinthia, and Styria.
This fascinating map, published in 1788 by the heirs of Johann Baptist Homann (often referred to as Homann Erben or Homann Heirs), depicts Austria along with the region known as Vorderösterreich (or Further Austria)—the collective name given in the early modern period to the scattered Habsburg possessions in southwestern Germany (the former Swabia). The map provides detailed coverage of present-day Slovenia, Tyrol, Carniola, Carinthia, and Styria.
In the upper left corner, there is a decorative cartouche containing the map’s title, distance scales, and a key to the conventional signs. An additional French title is engraved above the upper margin, illustrating the international reach of the renowned Homann Heirs publishing house beyond the German-speaking market.
The term “Österreichischer Kreis” (Austrian Circle) refers to one of the Imperial Circles (Reichskreise) of the Holy Roman Empire, used for administrative, military, and tax purposes. Established in the early 16th century, these circles helped structure the vast network of territories within the Empire. The Austrian Circle primarily encompassed the hereditary lands of the Habsburgs, including regions such as Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Styria, Carinthia, Carniola, Tyrol, and Vorderösterreich. By the late 18th century, when this map was published, the Holy Roman Empire still existed, though it would undergo significant changes in the decades that followed.
Johann Baptist Homann (1663–1724)
Early Life and Career
Johann Baptist Homann was born in 1663 in Bavaria. Although specific records on his youth are limited, he settled in the imperial city of Nuremberg, where he initially worked as an engraver and notary. In 1702, he established a publishing house specializing in geographic engravings—an endeavor that would soon earn him an international reputation.
Rise to Prominence
Homann’s workshop rapidly became the leading map-printing establishment in Germany. By combining detailed cartographic knowledge with high-quality copperplate engraving, Homann’s atlases and single-sheet maps gained acclaim throughout Europe. In 1715, he was appointed Imperial Geographer by Emperor Charles VI, a title that underscored his importance in the field and secured him special printing privileges. That same year, he was made a member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences, further solidifying his standing among Europe’s scholarly and scientific communities.
Major Works
Homann’s most notable publication is the monumental “Grosser Atlas ueber die ganze Welt” (Great Atlas of the Entire World), first issued in 1716. This atlas contained a comprehensive collection of maps covering various parts of Europe and other continents, reflecting both Homann’s cartographic skill and the broad scope of European geographical knowledge in the early 18th century.
Later Life and Legacy
Johann Baptist Homann passed away in 1724. His workshop and publishing enterprise had, by then, achieved a dominant position in European cartography. He left behind a rich legacy of detailed maps and atlases that were prized by scholars, nobles, and travelers alike.
The Homann Heirs (Homann Erben)
Transition to Christoph Homann
After Johann’s death, his son Christoph Homann (1703–1730) took over the business. Though Christoph’s tenure was short—he died prematurely in 1730—he continued his father’s dedication to high-quality cartographic production.
Formation of Homann Erben
Following Christoph’s death, the company passed to the wider family and continued under the name Homann Erben (Homann Heirs). This rebranding marked a new chapter for the firm, which maintained the same standards of craftsmanship and geographic expertise established by Johann.
A Flourishing Enterprise
Homann Heirs published new maps and reissued older plates with updates, responding to the evolving territorial and political changes in Europe. They produced atlases, wall maps, and individual sheets for both domestic and international markets. Their maps, often accompanied by explanatory notes in multiple languages, appealed to a broad audience, from aristocrats and government officials to merchants and academics.
End of an Era
The Homann Heirs company remained active until 1848, by which time the cartographic market had transformed significantly with new printing techniques and the rise of other publishing houses. Nonetheless, the Homann imprint continued to be recognized as a hallmark of quality and meticulous detail throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries.
