Original Celestial Charts by Johannes Zahn, Nuremberg, 1690s, Set of 2

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Johannes zahn (1641–1707)

original celestial charts – nuremberg, ca. 1692–1696

an exceptional pair of original 17th-century engravings from the work … Read more Johannes zahn (1641–1707)

original celestial charts – nuremberg, ca. 1692–1696

an exceptional pair of original 17th-century engravings from the work *oculus artificialis teledioptricus sive telescopium*, published in nuremberg by the scientist and astronomer johannes zahn.

the prints depict the northern and southern celestial hemispheres, based on the observations of johannes hevelius, one of the great astronomers of the era.

the constellations are richly illustrated with mythological figures and animals, executed with extraordinary burin quality, combining scientific rigor with baroque aesthetics. Printed on handmade laid paper with a natural patina and a late 17th-century paper mill watermark.

measurements:

print 1: 40.5 × 35 cm

print 2: 44 × 37 cm

condition:

good overall condition for their age. Both prints have trimmed edges, probably the result of early mounting, without significant loss of the image or main text. They retain an attractive historical patina befitting over three centuries of age.

original period pieces, not copies or later reproductions.

a work of great interest to collectors of celestial cartography, the history of science, early astronomy, and baroque prints.

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title: facies hemisphaerii coeli. Coeli superior borealis / coeli inferior australis

work: oculus artificialis teledioptricus sive telescopium

place of publication: nuremberg

date: ca. 1692–1696

technique: copper engraving (burin) on laid paper

support: handmade paper with a german mill watermark

language: latin

condition: original

technical :

set of two circular celestial charts representing the northern and southern celestial hemispheres, based on the observations of johannes hevelius (gedani), as indicated in the engraved cartouches (“secundum restitutionem novis ioan. Hevelii gedani”). The constellations are represented by mythological and zoological figures in the late baroque style, with precise star identification and radial astronomical projection from the celestial pole.

the engraving exhibits highly refined burin work, with irregular cross-hatching characteristic of late 17th-century german scientific prints. The paper is hand-laid, with visible chain lines and homogeneous natural oxidation, consistent with its age. The watermark is consistent with paper mills active in the german-swiss area around 1680–1700.

conservation notes:

both copies have trimmed edges, probably from old mounting or binding, without affecting the legibility of the main image or the engraved cartouches. They exhibit historical patina, small oxidation spots, and normal signs of aging, with no apparent modern interventions.

conclusion:

original period engravings, belonging to one of the most important astronomical series of the 17th century, fundamental to the history of celestial cartography and european scientific optics.

sold unframed and with its own damage and oxide.

both cut edges without affecting the engraving. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less