More Information
This is a fine 1752 map of northern Austria by Robert de Vaugondy. It covers from Radstadt north to Scharding and east as far as Bratislava. The cities of Linz, Vienna and Wells are identified. The entire region is depicted in extraordinary detailed, offering both topographical and political information, with forests and mountains beautifully rendered in profile.
The 'circle' in the map's title refers to an 'imperial circle,' one of the administrative units created primarily for tain x and defense purposes by the Holy Roman Empire. The map includes Vienna, the traditional seat of the House of Habsburg and, usually, the Holy Roman emperor. The Napoleonic Wars would, of course, dissolve the Holy Roman Empire and lead to the consolidation of Germany in 1871, with a separate Austria.
A large decorative title cartouche appears near the bottom right quadrant of the map. Issued in the 1757 issue of the Atlas Universal. The Atlas Universal was one of the first atlases based upon actual surveys. Therefore, this map is highly accurate (for the period) and has most contemporary town names correct, though historic names are, in many cases, incorrect or omitted.