Antique Prints, Maps, & Books of Natural History, Botanicals, & More
Lot 2250:
Description
This fascinating celestial engraving is from Stanislaw Lubieniecki’s
Theatrum cometicum, duabus partibus constans. The work was published in Leiden by Pieter van der Meersche in 1681.
The work included several celestial engravings depicting constellations, orbits, comets, and more. The engravings were completed by Stopendaal, Gerardi, Gerritsz, and others after illustrations and observations by M.C. Isenius and others. Lubieniecki corresponded with several leading astronomers of the day to compile this work including Guericke, Hevelius, and Schott.
"Since each map represents the observations of a different astronomer, taken together they illustrate the variety of cartographic traditions popular during the seventeenth century. On many of the maps the choice of constellations, of constellation style, and of constellation names are strongly reminiscent of the celestial globes of Blaeu and Hondius. Several other maps carry the Judeo-Christian constellations introduced by Plancius. From Rome, Kircher sent a map derived from those of Grienberger. On only a few maps are the stars identified by Bayer letters. None of the maps reflects any of the traditions popular during the previous century." (Warner, The sky explored, p 164)
Stanislaw Lubieniecki (1623-1675) was born in Rakow (now in Germany). He studied astronomy, with a particular focus on comets. He also completed a work on the Polish Reformation entitled Historia Reformationis Polonicae.
Paper Size: ~ 14 3/4" by 12 1/2" (Fold Out)
Paper Type or Special Features: Engraving
Condition report:
The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or faint marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.
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