Catalog Archive
Auction 114, Lot 511

"Fori Vulcani sive Camporum Phlegraeorum Typus", Kircher, Athanasius

Subject: Italy

Period: 1682 (published)

Publication: d'Onder-Aardse Weereld

Color: Hand Color

Size:
7.5 x 5.5 inches
19.1 x 14 cm
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This interesting copper engraving the city of Pompeii and its proximity to the Phlegraean Fields volcanic region. Kircher observed the eruption of Vesuvius in 1637, which inspired him to study the physical makeup of the earth. This is from Kircher's masterpiece, an immense and amazing work covering all aspects of anything that dwelled or occurred within the earth's interior - from dragons, to fossils, to mountain springs, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Kircher's work 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. He suggested the existence of a vast network of underground springs and reservoirs, as well as the theory that subterranean temperatures increase directly in proportion to depth. Published in a Dutch edition of Kircher's famous Subterranean World by Johann Waesberger.

References:

Condition: A+

Estimate: $130 - $160

Sold for: $230

Closed on 3/1/2006

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