Prospect und Grundris der Keiserl Freyen Reichs und Ansee Stardt Hamburg

Homann's celebrated image of Hamburg and its environs with a beautiful panorama or prospect of the city on the lower part of the map.

Homann’s emphasis is on the strategic position of the city and its environs at the confluence of the River Elbe and its two tributaries, the rivers Alster and Bille. This access to fertile land, transport links and its situation close to the Baltic coast, south of the Jutland Peninsula has allowed the city to flourish since its earliest iteration as a fortress and castle under Charlemagne in the 9th century.

The map shows the old walled city in little detail but does mark the new developments of St.Georg , now the central part of the borough of Hamburg Mitte and of Altona, in the west, now also a borough of the municipal region of Hamburg. The Prospect or panorama on the lower border of the map is spectacular even by Homann’s standards; he pioneered these maps which included a pictorial element on city plans and it is obvious that he took particular care on the preparation of this image, probably anticipating its commercial popularity. It bears a distinct marine theme corresponding with the city’s role as a trading and transport hub.

Multiple ships are present in the foreground and several figures representing gods and goddesses watch over the city; in the lower left is a collection of trading goods, among which we can discern Spanish wine, silk and butter. These goods are at the feet of a figure bearing a staff with a double headed eagle, the symbol of the Holy Roman Empire. A compass and a globe are also present, signifying the international importance of the port. Original hand colour.