Homann Erben — Schematismus Geographiae Mathematicae 1753 (Hand-Colored)
Homann Erben — Schematismus Geographiae Mathematicae 1753 (Hand-Colored)
A spectacular 1753 hand-colored copper engraving of the cosmos — 23 astronomical and cartographic diagrams on a single monumental sheet. Drawn by Tobias Mayer for inclusion in the 1752 Homann Heirs Maior Atlas Scholasticus, the sheet compresses the entire cosmos — from the Copernican solar system (Fig. 12) to the Tychonic system (Fig. 13), from climatic zones to compass roses, from armillary spheres to hemispheric projections — into a single richly engraved composition. A scholarly tour of Enlightenment astronomy on one breathtaking plate.
Hand-colored copper engraving, approximately 46 × 54 cm.
About Homann Heirs (Homann Erben, active 1730–1848)
Homann Heirs (Homann Erben) was the dominant German map publisher throughout the 18th century. Founded by Johann Baptist Homann (1664–1724) in Nuremberg in 1702, the firm passed to his son Johann Christoph Homann in 1724. After Christoph's premature death in 1730 at age 27, his will stipulated that all future publications appear under the name "Homann Heirs." The firm continued under various managers until its closure in 1848.
About the Work
Homann Heirs published thousands of maps and atlases, including the Grosser Atlas, the Atlas Scholasticus, and numerous single-sheet maps and charts. The firm's 1753 Schematismus Geographiae Mathematicae, drawn by Tobias Mayer, is one of the most remarkable 18th-century celestial teaching charts — compressing 23 astronomical and cartographic diagrams onto a single copper-engraved sheet.
Scarcity & Market Context
Homann Heirs maps appear regularly at specialist dealers (Barry Lawrence Ruderman, Geographicus, Robert Frew) in the $200–$1,500 range. The 1753 Schematismus is a particularly rare and desirable large-format sheet; Ruderman and Geographicus have offered examples in the $600–$1,500 range depending on color and condition.
Institutional Holdings
Major holdings at the Bavarian State Library (Munich), the David Rumsey Map Collection, the Library of Congress, and the University of Bern (Ryhiner Collection).
Dimensions
Sheet approximately 18 × 21.25 inches (46 × 54 cm)
Frame: This piece ships unframed — the sheet or plate only. We can recommend framers in your area or ship to your preferred framer. Professional framing with archival materials typically runs $150–$400 depending on size and finish.
Shipping Terms
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Important Buyer Notice
These pieces are antique originals, ranging from approximately 100 to over 400 years old. Each piece will show varying degrees of age-appropriate condition: paper toning, foxing, edge wear, fold marks, minor restoration, light staining, and other natural signs of age are common and expected for works of this period. Condition varies from piece to piece.
It is the buyer's responsibility to confirm that the piece is in the condition they require before purchase. We are always happy to answer any questions about the state of the work, provide additional photographs of specific areas, describe any flaws or repairs in detail, or arrange a video review before you buy. Please contact us at any time with questions — we believe an informed buyer is the best customer.
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