[MAP - CZECH REPUBLIC]

MÜLLER, JOHANN CHRISTOPH. Mappa Geographica Regni Bohemiae in duodecim circulos divisae... Augsburg: M. Kauffer und J. D. Hertz nach J. C. Müller, 1720. Engraved map printed on 25 sections, the map engraved by Michel Kauffer, the cartouches engraved by Jan Daniel Hertz after designs by Vaclav Varinec Reinner, the sections laid down on linen with wood rollers at the top and bottom, paper labels affixed to the verso of linen backing identifying the locations of the map's sections. 93 x 107.5 inches. Unevenly toned and soiled, with some chipping to the edges of the map and certain sections, creasing, a few small losses in the map, the top dowel is detached, early manuscript annotations in two colors of ink relating to the 1757 The Battle of Kolín.

A monumental, incredibly detailed 25-sheet wall map of Bohemia, now the Czech Republic. It includes roads, rivers, forests, cities, towns, villages, bishoprics, and raw materials such as gold, silver, copper, iron, and lead, all identified by symbols that are explained in Latin and German in the map's key. Three allegorical scenes decorate the corners, celebrating the region's natural resources, and certain important industries such as stone masonry. The top left corner contains a birds-eye view of Prague seen from the Old Town across the Vitava River, with the Charles Bridge in the foreground and Prague Castle looming behind it.

This map, made by the Austrian military engineer Johann Christopher Muller, was commissioned by Emperor Carl VI, who wanted a complete and accurate map of the Czech Kingdom. Muller mapped the twelve Czech provinces and the districts of Cheb and Glatz, using a measuring wheel attached to a chariot to measure distances, aided by a compass and astronomical quadrant.

The map offered here contains early manuscript annotations showing the locations of troop columns near the town of Kolín in Central Bohemia. An important moment early in the Third Silesian War (one theatre in the international Seven Years War), The Battle of Kolín, on June 18th, 1757, saw the Austrian forces under Count Von Daun win a decisive victory against the Prussian army, led by Frederick the Great. As a result of the battle, Count Von Daun's forces relieved the besieged city of Prague and expelled the Prussian army from Bohemia. It was Frederick's first defeat in the war, forcing him to abandon his march on Vienna.

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