Catalog Archive
Auction 142, Lot 68

"Sciathericon Electionis Boni et Mali 12 Signa per Currente", Kircher, Athanasius

Subject: Cartographic Miscellany

Period: 1646 (circa)

Publication: Ars Magna Lucis et Umbra

Color: Black & White

Size:
10 x 7.5 inches
25.4 x 19.1 cm
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This rare engraving is from Athanasius Kircher's massive treatise on various technologies, Ars Magna Lucis et Umbra (meaning Great Art of Light and Darkness). At the center of this astronomical calendar is a phoenix holding an olive branch in its beak and in its claws is a pair of keys representing the Pope's authority as head of the Roman Catholic Church. Below the phoenix is a globe displaying northern Europe and Asia. Filling in the bird's spread wings is a sundial filled with the 12 signs of the Zodiac, text symbols, and a depiction of the sun and moon at bottom corners. Attached to 3 pages of Latin text.

References:

Condition: B+

There is an extraneous crease through the center of the image with some minor soiling.

Estimate: $600 - $800

Sold for: $450

Closed on 11/28/2012

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