Catalog Archive
Auction 129, Lot 61

"[Lot of 2] Imagines Coeli Septentrionales cum Duodecim Imaginibus Zodiaci [and] Imagines Coeli Meridionales", Anon.

Subject: Celestial

Period: 1600 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
4 x 5 inches
10.2 x 12.7 cm
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These rare copper engravings are based on the first printed star charts by Albrecht Durer in 1515. The Ptolemaic constellations are depicted for the northern and southern celestial hemispheres. Each is centered on an ecliptic pole using polar stereographic projection with external orientation. The constellation images are all viewed from the rear and are depicted according to their classical Greek and Roman attributes. The zodiac constellations adorn the outer edge of the northern hemisphere. Durer's style influenced several later cartographers including Honter, Apian, and Volpaia. We can find no past record of sales for these engravings, nor can we find them in the references we have at hand.

References:

Condition: A

The southern hemisphere is lightly toned, else fine.

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,500

Unsold

Closed on 9/23/2009

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