Lot 34069: Cellarius - The Southern Celestial Hemisphere of Classical Antiquity; Haemisphærium Stellatum Australe Antiquum

"One of the finest and most highly decorative celestial charts ever produced, from the Valk & Schenck edition of Cellarius. This artistically virtuous composition represents a view of the sky of the Southern Hemisphere as considered by Ancient Greek custom. According to Classical astronomy, championed by Aristotle and Ptolemy, the stars were mounted on a huge, transparent, crystal sphere part of a divine system in which all of the stars and planets rotated around the Earth. In this chart, the figures of the zodiac form a circle within which are the constellations of the Southern sky, including Orion, Hydra, and the Southern Cross, all represented by lively Baroque figures." (Heald)


Andreas Cellarius created this exceptional celestial map engraving featuring original hand-coloring. The engraving was published in Harmonia Macrocosmica Seu Atlas Universalis Et Novus, Totius Universi Creati Cosmographiam Generalem, Et Novam Exhibens. The work was printed in Amsterdam in 1708 by Gerard Balk & Petrus Schenk. The chart was originally published during the great era of Dutch map-making. This edition is noted by the adding of Valk & Schenk’s names to the plates.

Cellarius’s work is one of the most highly decorative and noted as one of the finest celestial atlases ever produced. His atlas was done at the height of advancements in the understanding of the universe. His work blends exquisite artistry with the scientific knowledge of the heavens at the time.

Cellarius was born in Germany in 1596 and worked as a schoolmaster and eventually headmaster. He published several works but Harmonia Macrocosmica is still considered his greatest publication.

~ 23" by 20"

Originally Hand-colored Folio Engraving

1708

The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.

Harmonia Macrocosmica Seu Atlas Universalis Et Novus, Totius Universi Creati Cosmographiam Generalem, Et Novam Exhibens