"[Lot of 2] La Voye Laictee Pole Antarctique [and] Fig. 34", Mallet, Alain Manesson

This lot features a lovely pair of miniature celestial charts. The first shows the Milky Way and allegorical representations of some of the signs of the zodiac, including Scorpio and Sagittarius, as well as some uncommon names like Le Grand Chien (the big dog). There is a key to the stars in both French and German, indicating that this is from a German edition. Curiously, the French text indicates this is the south pole, while the German text states that it is the north pole. The second engraving illustrates the constellations of the northern sky at night. In the background behind the chart is a nocturnal seaside scene. Size varies slightly.

References: Kanas #7.3.2.

Condition: A

Both sheets have remnants of hinge tape on verso and marginal soiling. The bottom margin of <i>La Voye Laictee Pole Antarctique</i> has been extended. Fig. 34 is on watermarked paper.