Catalog Archive
Auction 148, Lot 52

"Schema Corporis Solaris, Prout ab Auctore et P. Scheinero. Romae Anno 1635 Observatum Suit", Kircher, Athanasius

Subject: Sun

Period: 1682 (published)

Publication: D'Onder-Aardse Weereld

Color: Hand Color

Size:
16.5 x 14.6 inches
41.9 x 37.1 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. Kircher's masterpiece, titled Mundus subterraneus (The Underground World) 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. Published in a Dutch edition of Kircher's famous Subterranean World by Johann Waesberger.

References: De Vorsey (Mercator's World) Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 28-31.

Condition: B+

A fine impression on watermarked paper with an expertly and nearly invisibly repaired tear that enters title cartouche at top. There are small chips in top and bottom margins that have also been expertly repaired, two of which enter map border, with border replaced in facsimile.

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300

Sold for: $1,700

Closed on 2/19/2014

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