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Image Not Available for Amplissimae Regionis Mississipi
Amplissimae Regionis Mississipi
Image Not Available for Amplissimae Regionis Mississipi

Amplissimae Regionis Mississipi

Artifact ID1982.00437.01
Object Type Map
Gifter
Maker (German cartographer, engraver, and publisher (1664-1724))
Date c. 1720
Medium Paper, Ink, Glass
DimensionsOverall: 27 1/2 x 31 1/2 x 1 in. (69.9 x 80 x 2.5 cm)
Physical DescriptionA framed map titled "Amerika" of the American Colonies made from a hand-colored copper plate engraving by J.B. Homann. The top left corner features the image of a naked man, a bull holding a banner, a Catholic priest next to a naked child, and a man in colonial-style clothing in the background, representing a Jesuit missionary preaching at Niagara Falls. The banner is in Latin and states "Ampliffimae Regionia MISSISSIPI Seu PROVINCIA LUDOVICIANA â R. P. Ludovico Henmepin Francisc Mill IN AMERICA SEPTENTRIONALI Anno 1687 deteclæ nunc Gallorum Coloniis et Actionum Ne-gotiis toto Orbe Celeberrimæ Nova Tabula edita a IO. BAPT. HOMANNO S.C.M. Geographo Norimberbæ." which translates to "The Great Regions of the Mississippi or the Province of Louisville by R. P. Louis Henmepin Francis Mill IN NORTHERN AMERICA In 1687, a New Map was discovered, now famous for the French Colonies and Trades throughout the world, published by IO. BAPT. HOMANNO S.C.M., Geographer of Nuremberg." In the lower right is a cartouche with an image of Native Americans with bison. Taped to the back of the artwork is a small sepia-toned label with typed and handwrittenGerman text, which states "Einiges Wissenswertes über diese alte Graphik: Titel: 'Amerika' Technik: Kupferstich Künstler Auto J.B. Homann Naurnberg Verlag: Ort Jahr: 1687 KUNSTANTIQUARIAT MONIKA SCHMIDT." which translates to English "Some interesting facts about this old print: Title: 'America' Technique: Copper engraving Artist: J.B. Homann Naurnberg Publisher: Place Year: 1687 ART BOOKSHOP MONIKA SCHMIDT."Historical NoteThe map was given to President Ronald Reagan during a meeting with Franz-Josef Strauss in the Oval Office March 18, 1982.
Johann Homann spent his life in Bavaria, Germany, but was known for his maps of America as well as Europe. This map probably dates to the 1720s, and is based on information from the expedition of Franciscan missionary Father Louis Hennepin to the upper Mississippi River in 1687. Florida appears on this map as a series of islands. This image is also known as the Buffalo Map, named after the image of the bison.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Foreign Officials (National Archives Identifier 6816364)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Country/CultureGermanyPlace MadeGermany
In Collection(s)