Catalog Archive
Auction 117, Lot 62

"[Lot of 6 - Muggletonian Planetary Charts]", Frost, Isaac

Subject: Solar System

Period: 1846 (published)

Publication: Two Systems of Astronomy

Color: Hand Color

Size:
11 x 7.7 inches
27.9 x 19.6 cm
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The Muggletonians were a small English religious sect that objected to "modern" science, particularly heliocentric astronomy and Newtonian physics. Founded in the 1650's by two cousins who received "messages from God" that they were God's chosen witnesses prophesized in the Book of Revelations to preach to the ungodly world in its final days. The sect lasted well into the Victorian era. Isaac Frost, a scientist and prominent member of the sect was instrumental in the refinement of the Muggletonian's geocentric astronomical theory. This chart is an authentic Baxter print, printed in color by a patented process using oil pigments. The process produced beautiful gradations of color, but was far too expensive for commercial use. These are among the scarcest of known Baxter prints, as they were meant to be circulated only among sect members. In addition to the scarcity, they are important documents in the history of the relationship between religion and science.

An exquisite and luminous set of prints depicting the solar system, from the view of the Holy Scriptures (plates 7, 9 &10) and the opposing view of Newton (plates 1, 3 & 6). The Muggletonians were a small English religious sect that objected to "modern" science, particularly heliocentric astronomy and Newtonian physics. Founded in the 1650's by two cousins who received "messages from God" that they were God's chosen witnesses prophesized in the Book of Revelations to preach to the ungodly world in its final days. The sect lasted well into the Victorian era. Isaac Frost, a scientist and prominent member of the sect was instrumental in the refinement of the Muggletonian's geocentric astronomical theory. These charts are authentic Baxter prints, printed in color by a patented process using oil pigments. The process produced beautiful gradations of color, but was far too expensive for commercial use. These are among the scarcest of known Baxter prints, as they were meant to be circulated only among sect members. In addition to the scarcity, they are important documents in the history of the relationship between religion and science.

References:

Condition: A

All generally very good to fine with a little foxing and toning confined primarily to the blank margins. One pinhole in plate 10, and a spot of foxing in plate 3, a small damp stain in the margin of plate 1.

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,200

Sold for: $1,300

Closed on 12/6/2006

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