Catalog Archive
Auction 101, Lot 70

"Bootes", Thomas, Corbinianus

Subject: Celestial

Period: 1730-31 (published)

Publication: Mercurii philosophici firmamentum firmianum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
5.2 x 4.9 inches
13.2 x 12.4 cm
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Handsome miniature celestial chart of the constellation known also as the Herdsman or Bear Watcher. Greek mythology has many stories about the origin of Bootes. According to one legend, Bootes is Arcas, the hunter-son of Callisto, the Great Bear. In another myth, he was the son of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, who invented the plow. In an Egyptian myth, Bootes was placed in the sky to guard against the Great Bear, one of the most evil of the northern constellations.

References:

Condition: B

Damp stain at bottom right, just entering the plate, else very good.

Estimate: $200 - $250

Sold for: $150

Closed on 12/4/2002

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