This stunning and uncommon celestial chart presents the constellations according to Christian symbolism. It is based on the work of the early 17th century astronomer, Julius Schiller, who sought to replace the traditional pagan symbols with ones derived from Judeo-Christian sources. Specifically, Schiller replaced the zodiacal constellations with the twelve apostles, the constellations north of the zodiac by figures from the New Testament and the constellations south of the zodiac by figures from the Old Testament. Instead of being projected from the pole, the map is centered on the vernal equinox and the ecliptic bisects the map instead of encircling it. On this chart, Gemini has been replaced by James (Jacobus), son of Zebedee; Cancer by St. John; Leo by St. Thomas; Virgo by St. James (Jacobus) the Less; Libra by St. Phillip; and Scorpio by St. Bartholomew. Abraham and Isaac have replaced the constellation Centauri, Noah's Ark has fittingly taken the place of the Argonaut, and King David has replaced the constellation Canis minor. This is one of the most unusual charts in the Cellarius compendium.

References: Kanas #7.1.2; Warner p. 54, 1C; Whitfield p. 93.

Condition: A+

Exquisite impression and original color.