Catalog Archive
Auction 171, Lot 629

"Typus Communicationis Maris Caspii, cum Persico et Euxino", Kircher, Athanasius

Subject: Middle East

Period: 1682 (published)

Publication: D'Onder-Aardse Weereld

Color: Hand Color

Size:
6.2 x 6.4 inches
15.7 x 16.3 cm
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This interesting little map covers the region including the Black and Caspian Seas and the Persian Gulf with a system of underground canals connecting them. The only city shown is Constantinople. 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. Published in a Dutch edition of Kircher's famous Subterranean World. On a sheet of Dutch text measuring 9.3 x 14.7".

References:

Condition: A

A crisp impression with minor toning and light damp stains along the edges of the sheet.

Estimate: $160 - $190

Sold for: $85

Closed on 2/6/2019

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