Catalog Archive
Auction 99, Lot 18

"Tabula Geographico-Hydrographica Motus Oceani, Currentes, Abyssos, Montes Igniuomos in Universo Orbe Indicans, Notat Haec Fig. Abyssos Montes Vulcanios", Kircher, Athanasius

Subject: World

Period: 1668 (published)

Publication: ...Mundus Subterraneus…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
21.5 x 13.1 inches
54.6 x 33.3 cm
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The Jesuit scholar Athanasius Kircher was one of the first compilers of semi-scientific knowledge about the physical features of the world. This extraordinary map depicts ocean currents, volcanoes and deep-sea chasms. The continents are void of political detail and only major lakes, rivers and volcanoes are shown. There are prominent Northwest and Northeast sea passages and a vast southern continent. Kircher's theories included the notion that the world's oceans were all interconnected and subterranean tunnels are shown connecting the oceans and seas.

References: Shirley #436.

Condition: A

Slight damp stain in upper margin. Later color.

Estimate: $1,500 - $1,700

Sold for: $1,500

Closed on 6/12/2002

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