Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 12

Greece and Ottoman Balkans Map – Homann Engraving ca. 1720

About the Item

Greece and the Danube Basin Map c.1720 – Antique Engraving of the Balkans This remarkable early 18th-century map presents a sweeping view of southeastern Europe, centering on the course of the Danube River and extending across modern-day Greece, the Balkans, and parts of the eastern Mediterranean. The map is a finely detailed copperplate engraving with original hand coloring, offering a richly informative and visually compelling representation of one of Europe’s most historically significant regions. The geography encompasses the Adriatic coast, Dalmatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Romania (then Wallachia and Moldavia), Hungary, Macedonia, Albania, and all of Greece, including the Peloponnese and its numerous offshore islands. Prominent place names such as Constantinople, Thessaloniki, Athens, and Belgrade appear in Latinized or Germanized forms, as was typical of the time. The Aegean Archipelago is particularly beautifully rendered, with dozens of islands carefully depicted and labeled. Decorative flourishes frame the composition. A striking cartouche in the lower left corner features classical allegorical figures and martial symbols, emphasizing the strategic and military importance of the Danube region and Greece during the period of Habsburg-Ottoman rivalry. The inclusion of ships and coastal cities also highlights the maritime importance of the area. This map is not only geographically informative but also a valuable piece of historical documentation. It captures the political landscape of the time, with colored borders demarcating various territories under imperial, Ottoman, and local rule. It invites viewers to trace the ancient and early modern paths of commerce, conflict, and culture through a pivotal crossroads of Europe and Asia. Condition: This print is in good condition for its age, with strong impression and original hand coloring. There is some light age toning around the edges and minor signs of wear, consistent with early 18th-century paper. No major staining or tears are visible. Margins are adequate and the map remains well centered. Framing tips: This map would display beautifully in a classic frame with either gold or ebonized wood, ideally with a double mat to set off the cartographic detail. A light cream or antique white mat with a narrow inner line in red or green would echo the original coloring. Museum glass is recommended to preserve the vibrancy and protect against UV damage. This piece would make a stunning focal point in a library, office, or study.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 20.48 in (52 cm)Width: 23.82 in (60.5 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.01 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1720
  • Condition:
    Good for its age, with strong impression and original hand coloring. Some light age toning around the edges and minor signs of wear. No major staining or tears are visible. Folding line as issued, some support from tape on the reverse folding line.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-140261stDibs: LU3054345435692

More From This Seller

View All
Map of the Ottoman Empire in Europe, incl. the Balkans, Greece & Turkey, c.1760
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map Turkey titled 'An Accurate Map of Turky in Europe drawn from the best Authorities'. Map of the Ottoman Empire in Europe, the Balkans, Greece, and Turkey in Europe. Engr...
Category

Antique 1760s Maps

Materials

Paper

Original and Decorative Antique Engraved Map of Finland and Sweden, ca.1720
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Ducatus Uplandiae cum Westmanniae Sudermanniae (..)' This map shows parts of Finland and Sweden. Originally published by Frederick de Wit in the late 1600's. ...
Category

Antique 1720s Maps

Materials

Paper

Old Map of the Balkans Incl Greece, Turkey, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, C.1900
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Carte de la presqu-île du Balcan - Karte der Balkan Halbinsel'. Original antique map of the Balkans including Greece, Turkey, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria and...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Engraving of Greek Religious Ceremonies, ca.1730
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print of various Greek religious ceremonies. With French description. Artists and Engravers: Anonymous Condition: Very good. Stamp on ...
Category

Antique 1730s Prints

Materials

Paper

Rare Antique Engraving of the City of Stockholm, Norway, ca.1720
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Die Königl. Schwedische Haupt und Residenz Stadt Stockholm'. Panoramic view of the city of Stockholm, Sweden. This print originates from the series 'Europe Prac...
Category

Antique 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Rare Antique Engraving of the City of Copenhagen, Denmark, ca.1720
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Copenhagen. Die Königl. Residenz und Haupt Stadt in Dänemark'. Panoramic view of the city of Copenhagen, Denmark. This print, most likely, originates from the s...
Category

Antique 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Hand-Colored 18th Century Homann Map of the Danube, Italy, Greece, Croatia
By Johann Baptist Homann
Located in Alamo, CA
"Fluviorum in Europa principis Danubii" is a hand colored map of the region about the Danube river created by Johann Baptist Homann (1663-1724) in his 'Atlas Novus Terrarum', publish...
Category

Antique Early 18th Century German Maps

Materials

Paper

18th Century Hand-Colored Homann Map of Germany, Including Frankfurt and Berlin
By Johann Baptist Homann
Located in Alamo, CA
An 18th century hand-colored map entitled "Tabula Marchionatus Brandenburgici et Ducatus Pomeraniae quae sunt Pars Septentrionalis Circuli Saxoniae Superioris" by Johann Baptist Homa...
Category

Antique Early 18th Century German Maps

Materials

Paper

The Kingdom of Naples and Southern Italy: A Hand-Colored 18th Century Homann Map
By Johann Baptist Homann
Located in Alamo, CA
"Novissima & exactissimus Totius Regni Neapolis Tabula Presentis Belli Satui Accommo Data" is a hand colored map of southern Italy and the ancient Kingdom of Naples created by Johann...
Category

Antique Early 18th Century German Maps

Materials

Paper

Hand Colored 18th Century Homann Map of Austria Including Vienna and the Danube
By Johann Baptist Homann
Located in Alamo, CA
"Archiducatus Austriae inferioris" is a hand colored map of Austria created by Johann Baptist Homann (1663-1724) and published in Nuremberg, Germany in 1728 shortly after his death. ...
Category

Antique Early 18th Century German Maps

Materials

Paper

Hand-Colored 18th Century Homann Map of Denmark and Islands in the Baltic Sea
By Johann Baptist Homann
Located in Alamo, CA
An 18th century copper plate hand-colored map entitled "Insulae Danicae in Mari Balthico Sitae utpote Zeelandia, Fionia, Langelandia, Lalandia, Falstria, Fembria Mona" created by Joh...
Category

Antique Early 18th Century German Maps

Materials

Paper

Hand-Colored 18th Century Homann Map of the Black Sea, Turkey and Asia Minor
By Johann Baptist Homann
Located in Alamo, CA
An attractive original early 18th century hand-colored map of the Black Sea and Turkey entitled "Carte de L'Asie Minevre ou de la Natolie et du Pont Evxin Tiree des Voyages et des Ob...
Category

Antique Early 18th Century German Maps

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All