Antique Celestial Charts of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, 1884

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Antique Celestial Charts of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, 1884 This finely engraved double celestial chart comes from the New … Read more Antique Celestial Charts of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, 1884 This finely engraved double celestial chart comes from the New and Revised Edition of Black’s General Atlas of the World, published in Edinburgh in 1884. It presents the heavens as viewed from both hemispheres, offering a comprehensive astronomical overview for late 19th-century readers. The left-hand chart shows the Northern Celestial Hemisphere, with constellations such as Ursa Major, Cassiopeia, Orion, and Hercules depicted in fine outline. The right-hand chart depicts the Southern Celestial Hemisphere, highlighting constellations like Crux (the Southern Cross), Centaurus, and Pavo. Both hemispheres are illustrated with stars, nebulae, and the Milky Way shaded to indicate its band across the night sky. The engraving reflects the Victorian fascination with astronomy, a discipline that combined scientific rigor with visual spectacle. By the late 19th century, atlases often included celestial charts to complement terrestrial geography, underscoring the era’s ambition to map both the earth and the heavens. The delicate use of pale blue shading and engraved constellation figures gives this chart a decorative as well as educational appeal. Such celestial hemispheres were important not only for stargazers but also for navigators and scientists, illustrating the alignment of constellations and providing a framework for understanding the apparent movement of stars across the sky. Condition report: Very good condition. Strong impression with delicate blue tinting well preserved. Original center fold as issued. Light marginal toning and faint age spotting. Plate mark visible. No tears or losses. Framing tips: This celestial plate displays beautifully with a simple archival mat in ivory or pale blue to echo the sky tones. A black or silver frame enhances its scientific precision, while a gilt frame emphasizes its decorative qualities. Double glazing or UV-protective glass is recommended to safeguard the light blue detail. Technique: Engraving with original hand coloring (tinting in blue) Maker: Black’s General Atlas, Edinburgh, 1884 See less