1730 Homann (De LIsle) Map ARTOIS Minutely Detailed Road & Canal Network, Pictorial Topography, Classic Map 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 '1730 Homann (De LIsle) Map ARTOIS Minutely Detailed' Description Mappa Specialis Comitatus Artesiae 56.5 x 48 cm copperplate engraving, 60 x 53 cm sheet size, original and later hand colour, Nürnberg, circa 1730 We are pleased to offer this scarce original map of the Artois region by the firm established by Imperial Geographer Johann Baptist Homann (1663-1724) that came to be the leading German map publishing firm of the 18th century. The cartography of Homann and his successors was often not original but their superb engraving work and distinctively bold hand colour style usually "improved" on the original.  Homann's title is somewhat misleading in that he was a master engraver whose maps were rarely original but were in fact close copies of earlier maps, usually French or Dutch. This map is a case in point - it is closely based on an earlier map of the region by French mapmaker Guillaume De L'Isle (1675-1726) who is credited in the title cartouche.  Exceptionally detailed, the De L'Isle cartography was the standard map of the region throughout the 18th century with the Homann edition standing as one of the most decorative. A fine baroque cartouche presents a Diana figure, a Ceres figure, putti with hunting dogs in pursuit of ducks, fishnets and rushing waters.  The escutcheon of Artois is that of Robert (1216-1250), Count of Artois and third son of king Louis VIII of France and Blanche of Castille - hence the symbolic castle above the Fleurs-de-Lys for Castille.  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: Arras and environs - note road network and tiny "trees": Abbeville and the Somme: Note sandbars from Dunkerque to Calais.  To get a sense of map detail consider that the distance between those two cities as seen below measures just 9 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.  Map exhibits some faint staining at top centre near Dunkerque as can be seen in photos and some minor marginal soiling, otherwise essentially pristine.  Top 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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