Western Silesia Antique Map Circa 1800 with Oder River – Von Reilly 106
Mapmaker: Franz Joseph Johann von Reilly
Das Herzogthum Schlesien Fürstenthümer Sagan, Sprottau, Sagan, Sagan-Bunzlau und die Standesherrschaft Beuthen-Carolath No. 106
(German for: The Duchy of Silesia – Principalities of Żagań, Szprotawa, and the Lordship of Beuthen-Carolath No. 106)
This map depicts the western part of the historical region of Silesia, primarily under Prussian rule during the late 18th century. It includes the duchies and principalities surrounding modern-day Żagań (Sagan), Glogau (Głogów), Grünberg (Zielona Góra), Sprottau (Szprotawa), and Beuthen (Bytom Odrzański), showcasing densely labeled towns, rivers, and administrative divisions. The cartouche in the upper right is framed with classical stonework and vine decoration and emphasizes the region’s status within the broader Duchy of Silesia. The map’s dense network of settlements and fortified towns reflects its historical importance as a frontier zone between Prussia, Bohemia, and Lusatia, bordering the Holy Roman Empire territories to the west. The Oder River features prominently as a natural and administrative boundary.
Poland:
Sagan (Żagań), Glogau (Głogów), Sprottau (Szprotawa), Grünberg (Zielona Góra), Freystadt (Kożuchów), Carolath (Siedlisko), Beuthen an der Oder (Bytom Odrzański), Lüben (Lubin), Naumburg (Nowogród Bobrzański), Primkenau (Przemków), Kittlitztreben (Trzebiechów), Sorau (Żary), Polkwitz (Polkowice), Oelsnitz, Kunzendorf (Kożuchówek), Kupferberg (Miedzianka), Reinswalde (Radoszyn), Neuhaus (Nowy Dwór), Zobten (Sobótka), Obernitz (Obiszów)
Germany:
Sommerfeld (Lubsko), Muskau (Bad Muskau), Rothenburg (Rothenburg/Oberlausitz)
Publisher: Reilly, Vienna
Dimensions: Most maps from this work measure 35 x 27.5 cm
In the late 18th Century, cartographer Franz Johann Joseph von Reilly embarked on a project to publish a multi-volume atlas of the entire world entitled Schauplatz der fünf Theile der Welt (published in several editions between zwischen 1789 und 1806). Over 800 maps of Europe were created, however the Napoleonic Wars proved to be an obstacle to completing the third part of the atlas, which was to have been dedicated to the other regions of the world. Von Reilly’s maps were sought after for their accuracy and detail.
In addition to being a mapmaker, Joseph von Reilly was was also an art dealer, author and publisher. He was born in 1766, the son of court master John Reilly, and died in 1820 in Vienna. His other major work was: Grosser Deutscher Atlas
These maps have a distinctive format, somewhat smaller than most maps of the period. Most measure 35 x 27.5 cm.
