Catalog Archive
Auction 166, Lot 17

"Tabula Geographico-Hydrographica Motus Oceani, Currentes, Abyssos, Montes Ignivomos in Universo Orbe...", Kircher, Athanasius

Subject: World

Period: 1682 (published)

Publication: D'Onder-Aardse Weereld

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.8 x 13.3 inches
55.4 x 33.8 cm
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The Jesuit scholar Athanasius Kircher was one of the first compilers of semi-scientific knowledge about the physical features of the world. This extraordinary map depicts ocean currents, volcanoes and deep-sea chasms. The continents are void of political detail and only major lakes, rivers and volcanoes are shown. There are prominent Northwest and Northeast sea passages and a vast southern continent. Kircher's theories included the notion that the world's oceans were all interconnected and subterranean tunnels are shown connecting the oceans and seas. Published in a Dutch edition of Kircher's famous Subterranean World.

References: Shirley #436.

Condition: A

A crisp impression, issued folding and now flattened, with a couple of short printer's creases and a few tiny worm holes only visible when held to light.

Estimate: $800 - $1,000

Sold for: $700

Closed on 2/14/2018

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