Bilder Christoph Weigel (1654–1725) – Map of Franconia / Circulus Franconicus – Holy Roman Empire (c.1720)

Beskrivning

This finely engraved and hand-coloured map titled Circulus Franconicus depicts the Franconian Circle, one of the Imperial Circles (Reichskreise) of the Holy Roman Empire, encompassing much of modern-day northern Bavaria. Published by Christoph Weigel in Nuremberg around 1720, the map offers a dense and precise rendering of principalities, bishoprics, and free imperial cities such as Würzburg, Bamberg, and Nuremberg. Topographical features are rendered in meticulous detail, and political boundaries are outlined in vivid period hand colour.
The elaborate title cartouche in the lower left corner is a triumph of Baroque allegory, featuring personifications of abundance, cartography, and river gods, along with Franconian heraldic shields. It visually reinforces the significance of the Franconian Circle as both a political and geographic unit within the Holy Roman Empire.

Christoph Weigel the Elder was a German engraver, publisher, and cartographer based in Nuremberg. His atlases and historical works combined scholarly rigor with decorative flourish, making him a leading figure in early 18th-century German cartography. His engravings are noted for their clarity, rich symbolism, and fine workmanship.

Artist or Maker:
Christoph Weigel

Dimensions:
37 cm x 45 cm

Medium:
Engraving with original hand colour

Date:
c.1720

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.