Lot 33677: Cellarius - The Spiral Path of the Sun around the Earth; Solis Circa Orbem Terrarum Spiralis Revolutio

"This intriguing chart shows the apparent spiralling revolution of the Sun around the Earth, from the Valk & Schenk edition of Cellarius. It depicts, according to pre-Copernican belief, the apparent path of the sun as it revolves around the Earth, which through the year was thought to form a spiral pattern. It would pass from one climate zone to another, thus regulating the seasons. The Earth is shown on an axis far more pronounced than the 23.5 degrees that was later ascertained. This rather severe tilt makes the zodiacal band run almost vertically through the image. According to Classical astronomy, championed by Aristotle and Ptolemy, the universe was a geocentric system, in which the Sun, stars, and the planets revolved around the Earth." (Heald)


Andreas Cellarius created this exceptional celestial map engraving featuring original hand-coloring. The engraving was published in Harmonia Macrocosmica Seu Atlas Universalis Et Novus, Totius Universi Creati Cosmographiam Generalem, Et Novam Exhibens. The work was printed in Amsterdam in 1708 by Gerard Balk & Petrus Schenk. The chart was originally published during the great era of Dutch map-making. This edition is noted by the adding of Valk & Schenk’s names to the plates.

Cellarius’s work is one of the most highly decorative and noted as one of the finest celestial atlases ever produced. His atlas was done at the height of advancements in the understanding of the universe. His work blends exquisite artistry with the scientific knowledge of the heavens at the time.

Cellarius was born in Germany in 1596 and worked as a schoolmaster and eventually headmaster. He published several works but Harmonia Macrocosmica is still considered his greatest publication.

~ 23" by 20"

Originally Hand-colored Folio Engraving

1708

The work is in very good condition. There is some very light foxing in the margins. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.

Harmonia Macrocosmica Seu Atlas Universalis Et Novus, Totius Universi Creati Cosmographiam Generalem, Et Novam Exhibens