Antique map of Europe: Europa Christiani Orbis Domina
Original title: “Europe, Mistress of the Christian World”
Year of publication:
Around 1720
Place of publication:
Nuremberg, Germany
Author:
Johann Baptist Homann (1664–1724)
Size:
50 x 60 cm
Provenance:
purchased at Catawiki Auctions (Italy)
Artifact Category:
Antique map of Europe, 18th century
Historical Significance
Artistic Value
Description
Condition
The historical map shows the political picture of Europe in the early 18th century. It clearly labels Ukrainia along the middle Dnieper, with Moscovia and Crimea marked separately. This is printed evidence of how Europe perceived Eastern Europe at that time: Ukraine as a distinct historical and geographic region, Muscovy as a neighboring realm, and Crimea as its own territory. Issued by Homann’s authoritative Nuremberg school, the sheet circulated widely and shaped elite views of space and borders.
High quality copper engraving with original hand color. A refined cartouche with allegorical figures of Christian Europe, decorative borders, and clean provincial coloring. Homann’s signature blend of accuracy and Baroque splendor. The colors survive beautifully, making it a striking wall piece.
Large wall map of Europe on laid paper. States, cities, rivers, and seas are shown, with Latin place names. Close inspection reveals the labels “Ukrainia,” “Moscovia,” and “Crimea.” The sheet visualizes trade routes, historical regions, and borders of the early 1700s.
Very good collector condition: strong impression, rich original color, wide margins. Usual central fold from atlas binding. Minor handling at edges without image loss. Verso clean.