Catalog Archive
Auction 161, Lot 43

Seutter's Striking Celestial Chart

"Planisphaerium Coeleste Secundum Restitutionem Hevelianam et Hallejanam", Seutter, Matthias

Subject: Celestial

Period: 1745 (circa)

Publication: Atlas Novus sive Tabulae Geographicae

Color: Hand Color

Size:
22.3 x 19.4 inches
56.6 x 49.3 cm
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The choice and style of constellations making up the central map are derived from Hevelius. The celestial charts are set in a background of clouds inset with seven diagrams. At bottom (from left to right) are the monthly orbit of the moon, the Tychonic, Copernican, and Ptolemaic planetary hypotheses, and the relation between the annual orbit of the sun and the seasons. In the upper left corner a diagram represents day and night on the earth, with quotations from Genesis. The diagram in the upper right shows the monthly orbit and illumination of the moon. At center top is a superb engraving showing an ascending Christ surrounded by angels. There is no engraver's imprint.

References: Warner, p. 245; Kanas #6.3.4.5.

Condition: B+

On watermarked paper with light soiling and a centerfold separation at bottom that extends 1.5" into the image and has been repaired on verso with archival material. There are numerous tiny pinholes only visible when held to light, and a few edge tears that just pass the neatline.

Estimate: $1,600 - $1,900

Sold for: $1,000

Closed on 2/8/2017

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