Antique Map of The Duchy of Silesia, Austrian Part – Von Reilly 112
Mapmaker: Franz Joseph Johann von Reilly
Das Herzogthum Schlesien österreichischen Antheils oder die Fürstenthümer Teschen und Bielitz mit den südlichen Theilen der Fürstenthümer Neiss, Troppau, Jägerndorf No. 112
(German for: The Duchy of Silesia, Austrian Part, or the Principalities of Teschen and Bielitz with the Southern Parts of the Principalities of Nysa, Opava, and Krnov No. 112)
This map illustrates the southeastern reaches of the historical Duchy of Silesia under Austrian rule in the late 18th century, covering the territories around Teschen (Cieszyn), Bielitz (Bielsko), and extending into parts of Neisse (Nysa), Troppau (Opava), and Jägerndorf (Krnov). The area borders the Kingdom of Hungary and Galicia to the south and east, with mountainous terrain dominating the southern third of the map. Roads, rivers, and a dense web of towns reflect the region’s mixed agricultural and industrial economy. The cartouche in the lower left corner of this map features two lion’s head masks flanking the sides of a stone-framed plaque, with a cherub above holding a globe and adorned with draped greenery.
Poland:
Teschen (Cieszyn), Bielitz (Bielsko-Biała), Skotschau (Skoczów), Jablunkau (Jabłonków), Ilownitza (Iłownica), Wengrowitz (Węgierska Górka), Milowka, Koszarawa, Zywiec (Żywiec), Saybusch (Żywiec), Kenty, Wilamowitz (Wilamowice), Lipnik, Kalwarya (Kalwaria Zebrzydowska), Wadowitz (Wadowice), Pleß (Pszczyna)
Czech Republic:
Troppau (Opava), Jägerndorf (Krnov), Neisse (Nysa), Freiwaldau (Jeseník), Zuckmantel (Zlaté Hory), Wigstadtl (Vítkov), Odrau (Odry), Fulnek, Hotzenplotz (Osoblaha), Loslau (Ludgeřovice), Friedeck (Frýdek), Karwin (Karviná), Tesl (Těšín), Polnisch-Ostrau (Ostrava), Jablunka, Trzanowitz (Třinec), Petrowitz (Petrovice u Karviné)
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.
