Star Chart of Southern Sky with Mythical Constellations and Exotic Animals, 1711

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1711 star chart of the southern sky - "mappa stellarum australium quae in altitudine poli borei graduum"

this beautiful star … Read more 1711 star chart of the southern sky - "mappa stellarum australium quae in altitudine poli borei graduum"

this beautiful star chart, engraved by arnold van westerhout in 1711, shows the stars visible in the southern sky, centered on the south equatorial pole. The chart includes numerous constellations, such as argo navis, centaur, lupus, apus (bird of paradise), apis (bee), indus (native indian), and pavo (peacock).

the map is hand-colored, bringing life to these celestial figures and adding artistic charm. The chart also provides details about the 'magnitude of the stars', represented in a table on the left side of the map, allowing viewers to understand the relative brightness of various stars. The artwork is finely detailed, with each constellation illustrated in a unique and imaginative style, typical of the celestial maps from this period. The chart serves both as a scientific and decorative piece, illustrating the fascination of 18th-century astronomers with the stars of the southern hemisphere, which were less known to european audiences at the time. "mappa stellarum australium quae in altitudine poli borei graduum 30 nunquam supra horizontem ascendunt, ex recentibus observationibus confecta. Harum stellarum ascensiones rectae ac declinationes constructae sunt ad annum christi completum 1687." translation: "map of the southern stars which, at an altitude of 30 degrees north of the pole, never rise above the horizon, based on recent observations. The right ascensions and declinations of these stars have been constructed for the year of christ 1687." "tab. V. To a. 1711, m. Sept. Pag. 386." "in this map's projection, the eye is positioned at the center of the world, turned towards the antarctic pole; thus the stars of the southern regions appear as they do when seen from those areas." condition report: - paper quality: the paper has minor light soiling typical of its age. The original watermarks are still visible. - edges and margins: the margins have been trimmed or chipped and professionally extended to accommodate framing. Some minor image loss at the edges and the neatline at the bottom has been replaced in facsimile. - print quality: a dark and clear impression remains, with vibrant hand-coloring enhancing the constellations.

summary condition: overall in very good condition with minor professional restoration, vibrant hand-coloring, and intact paper quality. The extended margins and restored neatline have been done to a high standard, making the piece suitable for framing and display. See less