Catalog Archive
Auction 101, Lot 18

"Tabula Geographico-Hydrographica Motus Oceani, Currentes, Abyssos, Montes Igniuomos in Universo Orbe Indicans, Notat Haec Fig. Abyssos Montes Vulcanios", Kircher, Athanasius

Subject: World

Period: 1668 (circa)

Publication: Mundus Subterraneus…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.7 x 13.1 inches
55.1 x 33.3 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.

References: Shirley #436.

Condition: A

Tiny bit of very faint offsetting and tiny spots, still very good with a sharp impression and fine later color.

Estimate: $1,500 - $1,700

Unsold

Closed on 12/4/2002

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