"Prospecte des Hartzwalds nebst Accurater Vorstellung... / Prospectus Hercinienses, una cum Iconibus Machinarum...", Homann Heirs

This stunning sheet focuses on the mining region in the Harz region in northern Germany. Mining operations in the region date back to the Bronze Age, and by the 18th century its forests were being decimated to fuel the industry. The engravings here seem to show an equal fascination with the natural and the industrial. At the center of the sheet are three views: Prospect von Cellerfeldt, depicting the town of Zellerfeld with various figures in the foreground; Clausthal. Bergstadter Zug..., showing the town of Claustal; and Die Gegend um Wildeman..., illustrating the landscape and a mine around Wildemann. These views are flanked by engravings detailing the mining operations, machinery, and processes. The title and explanatory key appear in both German and Latin.

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Condition: B+

A crisp impression with light toning along the centerfold, a couple of light spots, and a tiny hole to the right of the centerfold in the box of Latin text only visible when held to light. A short centerfold separation at bottom has been closed on verso with linen tape.