Johann Matthias Hase


Johann Matthias Hase was a German mathematician, astronomer, and cartographer.

Biography

Hase taught at Leipzig and his native Augsburg. In 1720, he became professor of mathematics at the University of Wittenberg.
Hase made maps for the publishing firm of Homännische Erben, such as the following:
as of 1550.
, Taipei
Hase died in Wittenberg. The crater Hase on the Moon is named after him.

Allegories

Based on what is known of the sources of the Africa map, Hase primary contribution to the maps were adding a cultural explanation in the form of Allegorical cartoons on the map itself, though he may have had a greater role in other maps. On the map of Africa, for example, he added in the lower corner of the map a large allegorical scene showing a finely dressed woman in clothes that are similar to modern-day clothing. The men are either dressed with single piece servants clothes, or an African rulers garbs, or fully dressed European traders. Notably, the indigenous African ruler is sitting on the back of a crouching human prostrating as a stool. Also shown in the allegory are lions and other animals and some semblance of life on the continent.
The Asia map also has such allegorical scene.