Catalog Archive
Auction 155, Lot 36

"Poli Arctici Constitutio [on sheet with] Poli Antarctici Constitutio", Kircher, Athanasius

Subject: Polar

Period: 1682 (circa)

Publication: Mundus Subterraneus…

Color: Black & White

Size:
7.6 x 13 inches
19.3 x 33 cm
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Interesting copper engraving showing the two poles. 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.

References:

Condition: A

A dark impression on a clean sheet with four small professionally infilled wormholes (only one of which is in an engraved area) and a repaired 1" edge tear at bottom.

Estimate: $200 - $250

Sold for: $130

Closed on 11/18/2015

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