Catalog Archive
Auction 166, Lot 52

"Typus Sympathicus Microcosmi cum Megacosmo sive Signaturas Plantarum, cum Singulis Humani Corporis Membris Exprimens", Kircher, Athanasius

Subject: Cartographic Miscellany

Period: 1682 (published)

Publication: D'Onder-Aardse Weereld

Color: Hand Color

Size:
8.1 x 12.6 inches
20.6 x 32 cm
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This interesting engraving represents the theory that the human body is the cosmography of the microcosm in correlation to Ptolemy's cosmography of the macrocosm. Thus the workings of the human body are an analogy for the workings of the universe. This is from Kircher's masterpiece, Subterranean World, 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. Published in a Dutch edition of Kircher's work.

References:

Condition: A

A nice impression on watermarked paper with very minor soiling in the image and light damp stains along the edges of the sheet.

Estimate: $240 - $300

Sold for: $400

Closed on 2/14/2018

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