This superb engraving of the moon is a close copy of Hevelius' groundbreaking Map Q, which introduced Hevelius' nomenclature for features of the moon based on terrestrial cartography. Hevelius published Map Q and several other moon maps in his pioneering lunar atlas, Selenographia, in 1647. Zahn follows Hevelius' depiction of the surface of the moon, which is shown filled with maria, mountains and craters, as well as the naming of each of these features. If you turn the map 90 degrees counter-clockwise, the shaded area dominating the lower center of the sphere resembles the Mediterranean Sea, which Hevelius named Mare Mediterraneum. The landform in the middle of the sea is named Sicilia, and the crater in its center is M. Aetna.

Zahn also imitated the decorative elements of Hevelius' engraving by depicting putti surrounded by scientific and mathematical instruments, including a telescope pointed at the moon. The title is enclosed in a lovely ribbon-style banner at top. This is one of the more decorative moon maps available to collectors and is rarely found on the market.

References: Kanas (2nd Edition) #6.3.4.1; Manasek (Moon) pp. 269-272.

Condition: A

A dark impression on a bright sheet with printer's creases along the centerfold and at left. There is a tiny worm track along the centerfold, very minor soiling, and a few spots of printer's ink residue.