Johann Baptist Homann – North-West Africa, 1728

The composition presents a cartographic representation of a North African territory, accompanied by illustrative vignettes and allegorical figures. The central focus is the detailed map itself, rendered in a style characteristic of early modern European cartography. Topographical features are delineated with meticulous precision, employing color to distinguish regions – yellow highlights inland areas, while green marks coastal zones. Numerous place names, written in Latin script, identify cities, rivers, and geographical landmarks. The scale appears relatively small, suggesting an emphasis on political boundaries and administrative divisions rather than precise geological detail.
Flanking the map are two figures positioned within architectural frames. On the left, a man dressed in elaborate robes stands beside a column, holding what seems to be a scroll or document. His posture conveys authority and perhaps scholarly observation. To the right, a woman, also adorned in rich attire, is depicted seated on an ornate chair, her gaze directed towards the map. Her presence introduces a sense of personification, potentially representing either knowledge, dominion, or the region itself.
Below the map, a small scene portrays what appears to be a coastal city – likely intended as a visual representation of Morocco’s urban landscape. The buildings are depicted with a degree of detail, and figures can be discerned within the cityscape, suggesting human activity and commerce. A ship is visible in the harbor, reinforcing the importance of maritime trade routes.
The overall effect suggests an attempt to convey not only geographical information but also a sense of European engagement with this distant land. The allegorical figures introduce layers of meaning beyond simple cartography – hinting at themes of exploration, knowledge acquisition, and perhaps even colonial ambition. The inclusion of the coastal scene serves as a visual anchor, grounding the abstract map in a tangible reality while simultaneously presenting a curated view of the region’s culture and economy. The careful arrangement of elements suggests an intention to create a visually compelling and informative document intended for an educated European audience.