Regni Bohemiae Ducatus Silesiae, Marchionatus, Moraviae, et Lesatis

An attractive 18th century map of the Kingdom of Bohemia.

This beautiful copperplate engraved sheet presents ‘Regni Bohemiae’, an important part of the Holy Roman Empire that consisted of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Duchies of Moravia, Lusatia, and Silesia. At the time of publication, the region (parts of modern-day Poland, Germany, and Czechia) was under the direct control of the Habsburg Emperor. The decorative cartouche in the upper right presents the coats of arms of the constituent components under the Crown of Bohemia, as well as allegorical figures and symbolism reflecting the agricultural productivity of the region.

Fortified cities are highlighted in red, though Prague was the most significant economic and cultural metropolis, by far. Other towns and settlements are accompanied by small symbols that reflect their respective religious facilities (where applicable). Mountains and forests – barriers to travel and trade – are depicted pictorially, while major waterways are emphasized.