Catalog Archive
Auction 107, Lot 54

"Schema Corporis Solaris, prout ab Auctore et P. Scheinero…", Kircher, Athanasius

Subject: Sun

Period: 1664 (circa)

Publication: Mundus subterraneus

Color: Hand Color

Size:
16.5 x 14.5 inches
41.9 x 36.8 cm
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This stunning engraving is an early view of the sun shown with solar flares and surface eruptions based on the observations of Kircher and Christoph Scheiner in 1635. In 1664 Kircher published his masterpiece, titled Mundus subterraneus (The Underground World). It was the first serious effort to describe the physical makeup of the earth, proposing theories (sometimes fantastic) in the areas of physics, geography, geology, and chemistry.

References:

Condition: B

Light vertical stains and an expertly repaired hole near side borders, else very good.

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400

Sold for: $750

Closed on 6/9/2004

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