Lot of 5 of Doppelmayr's Magnificent Celestial Charts on a Gnomonic Projection

"[Lot of 5] Globi Coelestis in Tabulas Planas Redacti Pars II, III, IV, V, VI", Doppelmayr/Homann

This lot includes 5 of 6 large charts in this set, each depicting a part of the sky on a gnomonic projection with "the fixed stars for the end of the year of Christ 1730 according to the rules of arithmetic and geometry." The charts are centered on the north equatorial pole to 45 degrees North declination, the vernal equinox, the summer solstice, the autumnal equinox, the winter solstice, and the south equatorial pole to 45 degrees South declination. The constellations are shown as figures according to classical mythology and the zodiac as derived from Hevelius. The more recently named constellations are shown as scientific instruments. The paths of several comets are traced following a pattern established by Pardies. Panels of Latin text at the sides of each chart identify the stars within the constellations seen in that portion of the sky.

Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr was a professor of mathematics at the Aegidien Gymnasium in Nuremberg. Doppelmayr and Johann Baptist Homann were frequent collaborators in producing celestial and astronomical charts for atlases. The publishing history of these charts is complex, as Doppelmayr & Homann published numerous works together. The charts were probably engraved in the 1720's. However, they were only bound into complete sets in the two major compilations of Dopplemayr’s works published by Homann Heirs; Atlas Coelestis in quo Mundus Spectabilis... in 1742, and the revised edition Atlas Novus Coelestis... in 1748. It is very unusual to have the complete set offered.

Read more about Doppelmayr's life and accomplishments here

A. Pars II Condition: On a watermarked sheet with a centerfold separation entering 1" into image at bottom that has been closed on verso with archival tape. There are a couple minor spots of errant colorist's ink.

B. Pars III Condition: There is some light printer's ink residue and a small faint stain at top right. There is light soiling that is primarily confined to the blank margins.

C. Pars IV Condition: On a watermarked sheet with light scattered foxing that is mostly confined to the text panels at left and right. There is a centerfold separation entering less than 1" into map image at bottom that has been closed on verso with tape.

D. Pars V Condition: There are light damp stains at top right and at bottom.

E. Pars VI Condition: There are light damp stains at bottom and right and a tiny hole at center.

References:

Condition: B+

See description above.