Visible Side of the Moon Lunar Crater Chart by Adolf Stieler, 1858

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Visible Side of the Moon Map – Detailed Lunar Crater Chart 1858

This fascinating antique print shows the visible side … Read more Visible Side of the Moon Map – Detailed Lunar Crater Chart 1858

This fascinating antique print shows the visible side of the moon with incredible precision and detail. It depicts the lunar surface under full illumination, featuring named craters, seas (mare), and mountain ranges.

The map is titled “Die sichtbare Seite der Mond-Oberfläche bei voller Beleuchtung” meaning “The visible side of the moon surface under full illumination,” based on C. F. Gauss and Mädler’s lunar chart. Surrounding the moon illustration are detailed lists of named features, ordered for scientific reference. This print was published in 1858 as part of Adolf Stieler’s ‘Hand-Atlas über alle Theile der Erde und über das Weltgebäude’ issued in Gotha by Justus Perthes. Adolf Stieler was a renowned German cartographer, and his Hand-Atlas editions are highly regarded for their accuracy and quality. This lunar map is a copperplate engraving printed on paper and then delicately toned to enhance readability. Its significance lies in its detailed mapping of the moon’s visible surface during a period when lunar cartography was advancing rapidly. The precision with which features such as Mare Imbrium, Mare Serenitatis, and prominent craters like Copernicus and Tycho are labelled reflects the 19th-century scientific drive to understand celestial bodies in preparation for later astronomical advances. Condition summary: The print is in good condition with only mild toning consistent with age. There is no significant foxing - a few small spots- and one a light fold in the top right corner. Paper remains strong and the impressions are clear and sharp. Framing tips: This lunar map will look striking in a dark wood or black frame to enhance the monochrome engraving, combined with a white or light grey mount to provide contrast. For best preservation, use UV-protective glass to maintain the paper’s quality and prevent future fading. Adolf Stieler’s Hand Atlas Cover – Mid 19th Century German Atlas Board This is the original cover board from Adolf Stieler’s renowned ‘Hand-Atlas über alle Theile der Erde und über das Weltgebäude’, mid-sized edition published in 1858 by Justus Perthes in Gotha. The cover is printed with the full atlas title, publication details, and a list of its 63 maps, including general world maps, European regional maps, and astronomical plates like the lunar map included in this set. The cover typography features elegant mid-19th-century German typefaces and ornate corner flourishes, giving it a refined scientific and decorative appearance. Stieler’s Hand-Atlas was a leading cartographic publication of its time, widely used by scholars, universities, and educated households across Europe for its accuracy, detail, and clarity. This board is significant as it evidences the original publication’s scope and the esteem in which Stieler’s cartography was held. It is printed via letterpress on heavy board, designed for durability over frequent consultation.

Condition summary: The cover board shows signs of age with scuffs, rubbing, and edge wear, particularly at corners, but retains its complete printed surface. There are surface marks and light staining, as visible in the images. Structurally solid.

Framing tips: Frame this cover as an antique decorative cartographic piece in a wide dark or ebonised wood frame to emphasise its academic look. A neutral cream mount will complement its aged paper tones. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the print against further light damage. See less