Copenhagen, Kronborg, Oresund, Denmark

Homann shows us Copenhagen, Kronborg, the Oresund and Hven

The North Sea coast between Sylt and Fanoe. This decorative map centers on a small plan of Copenhagen and extends to include the nearby cities of Helsingor, Helsingborg, Landskroma, Malmo, and Koge, all of which appear in plan form. The map identifies smaller towns and villages in the region and names the islands of Ween (Ven) and Saltzholm (Saltholm) in Der Sondsund (the Oresund). Several ships fill the Sound, and the Danish fleet is shown anchored in Koge Bay. At top left, there are three small views of Helsingborg, Landskroma, and Malmo. Another view at right presents the beautiful Renaissance-era Kronborg Castle, the basis for Elsinore in Hamlet. Across the bottom of the sheet is a stunning view of Copenhagen and its fortifications with the harbor in the background.

Note: on the fourth and final picture, the isle (in green) of Hven is shown. Both observatories of Tycho Brahe, Uraniborg and Stjerneborg are clearly visible.

Johann Homann and his successors

Homann (1664-1724) was born in Oberkammlach in Bavaria. In 1702 he founded his own publishing house and 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 Scineces in Berlin. Of particular significance to cartography were the imperial printing privileges, which 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 Wiegel the Elder.

Homann died in Nuremberg in 1724. He was succeeded by his son Johann Christoph (1703-1730). The company carried on upon his death as Homann heirs company, managed by Johann Michael Franz and Johann Georg Ebersberger. After subsequent changes in management the company folded in 1852.The company was known as “Homann Erben”, “Homanniani Heredes”, or “Heritiers de Homann” abroad.