Brunacci Celestial Star Chart (1 results)

Good. Light soiling. Notable creasing along centerfold, especially at bottom. Spots of discoloration and surface abrasion on and near centerfold. Size 16.75 x 22.5 Inches. An intricately engraved 1687 double hemisphere celestial chart prepared by Francesco Brunacci for inclusion in Giacomo Giovanni Rossi's atlas Mercurio Geografico, overo Guida Geografica in tutte le parti del Mondo , one of the most beautiful Italian atlases of the 17th century. A Closer Look The night sky is presented in two hemispheres on a polar stereographic projection, centered on the ecliptic poles, which differ slightly from the Arctic and Antarctic poles noted nearby. Stars are classified into six sizes (noted on a legend at bottom towards left). The mythological figures associated with the major constellations are illustrated, superimposed over the stars, and labeled. Longitude lines marking out degrees at intervals of 30 crisscross the hemispheres, as do curved lines representing the paths of tropics and equinoxes. Beyond the hemispheres, the sun (at center-top), moon (at center-bottom), and other planets (in the corners) are depicted, corresponding to a legend at bottom. The presentation of the sun and moon is especially interesting, given the inclusion of sunspots on the former and a profusion of craters and mare on the latter. The lower part of the sheet includes a 'Description of the Celestial Globe by Francesco Brunacci,' explaining the representation of the night sky above (inspired by Johann Bayer's 1603 star atlas Uranometria ), discussing the number of stars and other celestial features included, their distances from Earth, and similar details. Publication History and Census This sheet was prepared by Francesco Brunacci and engraved by Vincenzo Mariotti in 1687 for Giacomo Giovanni Rossi's atlas Mercurio Geografico, overo Guida Geografica in tutte le parti del Mondo . It served as the first chart or map in the atlas, following the title page. It is listed among the holdings of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Biblioteca Nacional de España, the Sächsische Landesbibliothek - Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek, the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, the National Library of Australia, and the National Library of New Zealand in the OCLC. References: OCLC 949815644, 1410545555, 312894217, 243523933.