Catalog Archive
Auction 120, Lot 445

"Situs Insulae Atlantidis, a Mari olim absorptae ex mente Aegyptiorum et Platonis descriptio", Kircher, Athanasius

Subject: Atlantis

Period: 1682 (published)

Publication: d'Onder-Aardse Weereld

Color: Hand Color

Size:
6.2 x 4 inches
15.7 x 10.2 cm
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Fascinating small map showing the large mythical island of Atlantis in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The map is curiously oriented with south at top. This is from Kircher's masterpiece, an immense and amazing work covering all aspects of anything that dwelled or occurred within the earth's interior - from dragons, to fossils, to mountain springs, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Kircher's work was the first serious effort to describe the physical makeup of the earth, proposing theories (sometimes fantastic) in the areas of physics, geography, geology, and chemistry. He suggested the existence of a vast network of underground springs and reservoirs, as well as the theory that subterranean temperatures increase directly in proportion to depth. On a full sheet of Dutch text, (10.5 x 17"). Published in a Dutch edition of Kircher's famous Subterranean World by Johann Waesberger.

References:

Condition: A+

Estimate: $300 - $400

Sold for: $600

Closed on 7/18/2007

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