869 - J. CARY (1755–1835), Map: The Westphalian Imperial Circle, 1799, copper engraving

J. CARY (1755–1835), Map: The Westphalian Imperial Circle, 1799, copper engraving John Cary (1755 Wiltshire – 1835 London): Topographical Map of the Westphalian Imperial District, 1799, copper engraving Technique: Hand-colored copper engraving on paper Inscription: Lower right, inscribed on the printing plate: "A NEW MAP of the CIRCLE of WESTPHALIA, from the latest authorities, by John Cary, Engraver, 1799". Date: 1799 Description: Detailed map of the Westphalian Imperial Circle, which comprises the territories of northwestern Germany. The Imperial Circle was founded in 1500 and dissolved in 1806. The map dates from 1799, at which time the Holy Roman Empire was in decline and many of its administrative units, including the Westphalian Imperial Circle, had only limited political significance. Keywords: Topography; Geography; Historical source; Westphalian Imperial District; Holy Roman Empire; Northwest Germany; Administrative unit, 18th century, Figurative, Maps, Germany, Size: Paper: 54.0 cm x 65.9 cm (21.3 x 25.9 in), Plate: 50.2 cm x 56.2 cm (19.8 x 22.1 in), Depiction: 45.9 cm x 52.1 cm (18.1 x 20.5 in) Condition: Good condition. The map, which was folded vertically down the center, was removed from a binding. The vertical center fold is fragile and torn along the bottom and top edges of the sheet. The margins are discolored, slightly foxed, and occasionally torn. The corners of the sheet are partially bumped.