Valk Schenk Celestial Map Copernicus (1 results)

Excellent. Few specks in the paper, else a fine example. Beautiful hand color, heightened with gold. Size 17.25 x 20.75 Inches. This beautiful work is Andreas Cellarius' celestial chart, in its 1708 Valk and Schenk edition, illustrating the solar system theorized by Nicolaus Copernicus in the 16th century. It is among the most vivid and unambiguous depictions of the heliocentric solar system produced in the 17th century. A Closer Look The sun's rays emanate from the center of the chart, illuminating the Solar System. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn appear in their orbits around the Sun, within their celestial spheres. The moon is in its proper orbit around the Earth, which is depicted in a north polar projection. Jupiter is surrounded by its four Galilean moons: this is an important addition, as that astronomer's observations represented a key corroboration of Copernicus' heliocentric theories. Bordering the chart are the twelve signs of the Zodiac: each with its astrological symbol, its iconic image, and appropriate seasons. In the space surrounding the charts, below the cartouches, are presented an array of astronomical instruments and books, emphasizing the observed and measured nature of the chart. Seated in the lower right, globe in hand, is the astronomer Copernicus. The figure to the left is thought to be the Greek scholar Aristarchus of Samos (f. 250 BC), Copernicus' precursor in having proposed a heliocentric Solar System. One of Four Models Cellarius' Harmonia Macrocosmica contained diagrams illustrating the conflicting models of the Solar System in play during the 17th century. It includes not only the most modern theories of the Solar System but also historical ones. A classical model of the Solar System identified each of the planets with its corresponding classical deity; another presented the 2nd-century model of Ptolemy. One (the present work) explained the Copernican Sun-centered system. The final is Tycho Brahe's compromise model. Publication History and Census This engraving was executed for Jan Jansson, who in 1660 first published Cellarius' Harmonia Macrocosmica . Jansson produced two editions of the book in 1660 and 1661; distinguishable by the plate numbers engraved for the 1661 edition. Amsterdam publishers Gerard Valk and Pieter Schenk acquired the plates and republished Cellarius' work in 1708, having added their own imprint and privilege to the plates. Separate examples of Cellarius' charts appear on the market from time to time. We see eleven examples of this plate listed in OCLC, six of which correspond to this 1708 edition. References: OCLC 866805331.…