Catalog Archive
Auction 123, Lot 77

"[Lot of 2] Facies Hemisphaerii Coelestis Inferior Austalis [with] Facies Hemisphaerii Coelestis Superior Borealis", Zahn, Johannes

Subject: Celestial

Period: 1696 (published)

Publication: Specula Physico-Mathematico-Historica Notabilium ac Mirabilium Sciendorum…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
16.3 x 14 inches
41.4 x 35.6 cm
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Very scarce pair of celestial maps on two separate sheets. The pair features the northern and southern skies and is derived from the planispheres in Hevelius, Firmamentum Sobiescianum. The constellations include the Southern Cross, Leo, Ursa Major, Camelopardus, Musca, Orion and many more. They are beautifully engraved with the ribbon-style titles against a densely engraved background, and a key at the lower right indicates the brightness of the stars on a scale of 1-6, indicated by size. Johann Zahn (1641-1707) was a German mathematician who is known for his creation of an advanced camera obscura, as well as early telescopes.

References: Warner, p. 267.

Condition: A

The second sheet has a professionally reinforced upper right margin, and a minor smudge in the map. Margins slightly trimmed but still very ample.

Estimate: $3,500 - $4,000

Sold for: $3,000

Closed on 2/20/2008

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