Grundriss und prospect des Welt- beühmten Carlsbad, mit unteschiedlichen Gegenden accurat gezeichnet und ausgefertiget von Homannischen Erben

Title

Grundriss und prospect des Welt- beühmten Carlsbad, mit unteschiedlichen Gegenden accurat gezeichnet und ausgefertiget von Homannischen Erben

Description

The map shows a general view of the city of Karlovy Vary, the floor plan, the pleasure house, the hot springs and a river through Karlovy Vary.

dated 1733

Artist

Homann Erben (1724-1780)

Johann Babtiste Homann (1664-1724) was born in Oberkammlach, the Electorate of Bavaria. Although educated at a Jesuit school, and preparing for an ecclesiastical career, he eventually converted to Protestantism and from 1687 worked as a civil law notary in Nuremberg. He soon turned to engraving and cartography; in 1702 he founded his own publishing house. Homann acquired renown as a leading German cartographer, and in 1715 was appointed Imperial Geographer by Emperor Charles VI. Giving such privileges to individuals was an added right that the Holy Roman Emperor enjoyed. In the same year he was also named a member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences in Berlin. Of particular significance to cartography were the imperial printing privileges (Latin: privilegia impressoria). These protected for a time the authors in all scientific fields such as printers, copper engravers, map makers and publishers. They were also very important as a recommendation for potential customers. In 1716 Homann published his masterpiece Grosser Atlas ueber die ganze Welt (Grand Atlas of all the World). Numerous maps were drawn up in cooperation with the engraver Christoph Weigel the Elder, who also published Siebmachers Wappenbuch. Homann died in Nuremberg. He was succeeded by the Homann heirs company, which was in business until 1848. The company was known as Homann Erben, Homanniani Heredes, or Heritiers de Homann abroad.

Historical Description

Carlsbad- Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperorand King of Bohemia, founded the city in 1370. It is historically famous for its hot springs. Around 1350, Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor organized an expedition into the forests surrounding modern-day Karlovy Vary during a stay in Loket. On the site of a spring, he established a spa called the Horké Lázně u Lokte(Hot Spas at Loket). The location was subsequently named in German "Carlsbad" after him once he had acclaimed the healing power of the hot springs, at least according to legend. Charles IV granted the town privileges on 14 August 1370. Earlier settlements can be also found in the outskirts of today's town. An important political event took place in the town in 1819, with the issuing of the Carlsbad Decrees following a conference there. Initiated by the Austrian Minister of State Klemens von Metternich, the decrees were intended to implement anti-liberal censorship within the German Confederation.