1715 Homann (Visscher) Map BURGUNDY Besançon VF Example Superb Cartouche Celebrating Wine, Beautifully Engraved Start Price USD 199.99 Current Price USD 199.99 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, August 19, 2008 End Time Friday, August 29, 2008 Location Indianapolis, IN See more about '1715 Homann (Visscher) Map BURGUNDY Besançon VF Example' Description Comitatus Burgundiae 56 x 47.5 cm copperplate engraving, 60 x 53 cm sheet size, original and later hand colour, Nürnberg, circa 1715 We are pleased to offer this scarce original map of the part of Burgundy centred around Besançon by the Imperial Geographer Johann Baptist Homann (1663-1724).  Founder of the leading German map publishing firm of the 18th century, Homann's cartography was often not original but his superb engraving work and distinctively bold hand colour style usually "improved" on the original.  This map is a case in point - it is in fact a close copy of a circa 1680 map by Dutch publisher Nicolaes Visscher (1649-1702).  The map features a charming cartouche and this example appears to be a very early, strong impression. The elaborate title cartouche features a serene seated royal figure flanked by Athena while putti at top offer a celebration of the wine of the region.  While the outline and wash colour of the map is original, the hand colour in the cartouche is by a later hand - Homann maps were coloured at time of publication but the cartouches were always issued uncoloured.  However, many buyers of Homann atlases and "composite" atlases featuring maps from various cartographers and publishers preferred the more decorative and less austere look of a coloured cartouche and elected to have the cartouches coloured.  The work on this example is both charming and skillfully executed, making for an exceptionally decorative map: Besançon and environs: Map extends as far as Geneva - note pictorial topography: To get a sense of map detail consider that the distance from Dôle to Auxonne as seen below measures just 4 cm actual size: Condition - Please note carefully:   Map is in overall very good condition as can be ascertained from photos, strong impression with distinct platemark, hand colour bold and vivid.  Some trivial soiling to margins, one tiny spot in cartouche, otherwise map essentially pristine. Right margin has been expertly replaced with closely matching old paper just beyond upper neatline which is partly reinforced in manuscript, centrefold as issued. Overall a well preserved example of a scarce map that will that will make an elegant presentation if matted and framed.  Inquiries welcome and we encourage you to visit our other auctions on eBay. Note: Final auction price includes insured shipment within continental United States. All other customers to pay actual shipping costs via traceable means including full insurance.  International bidders are wholly responsible for any applicable customs, duties or taxes upon receipt. Terms and Conditions - Please read carefully: Payment accepted via PayPal. This secure eBay-owned service allow buyers around the world to use existing credit cards to make purchases and will result in immediate shipment. Please note that we do not bill credit cards directly - payment must be processed through PayPal. If you are unable or unwilling to utilize this convenient means of electronic payment, please contact us prior to placing any bids to see if alternate payment arrangements can be made. 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