Set of two maps:
Number 1:
1711 Star Chart of the Southern Sky - "Mappa Stellarum Australium quae in Altitudine Poli Borei Graduum"
This beautiful star chart, engraved by Arnold van Westerhout in 1711, shows the stars visible in the southern sky, centered on the south equatorial pole. The chart includes numerous constellations, such as Argo Navis, Centaur, Lupus, Apus (bird of paradise), Apis (bee), Indus (Native Indian), and Pavo (peacock). The map is hand-colored, bringing life to these celestial figures and adding artistic charm.
The chart also provides details about the 'magnitude of the stars', represented in a table on the left side of the map, allowing viewers to understand the relative brightness of various stars. The artwork is finely detailed, with each constellation illustrated in a unique and imaginative style, typical of the celestial maps from this period.
The chart serves both as a scientific and decorative piece, illustrating the fascination of 18th-century astronomers with the stars of the Southern Hemisphere, which were less known to European audiences at the time.
"Mappa Stellarum Australium quae in altitudine poli Borei graduum 30 nunquam supra Horizontem ascendunt, ex recentibus observationibus confecta. Harum Stellarum Ascensiones Rectae ac Declinationes constructae sunt ad Annum Christi completum 1687."
Translation:
"Map of the Southern Stars which, at an altitude of 30 degrees north of the pole, never rise above the horizon, based on recent observations. The right ascensions and declinations of these stars have been constructed for the year of Christ 1687."
"Tab. V. to A. 1711, M. Sept. pag. 386."
"In this map's projection, the eye is positioned at the center of the world, turned towards the Antarctic pole; thus the stars of the southern regions appear as they do when seen from those areas."
Condition Report:
- Paper Quality: The paper has minor light soiling typical of its age. The original watermarks are still visible. - Edges and Margins: The margins have been trimmed or chipped and professionally extended to accommodate framing. Some minor image loss at the edges and the neatline at the bottom has been replaced in facsimile. - Print Quality: A dark and clear impression remains, with vibrant hand-coloring enhancing the constellations.
Summary Condition: Overall in very good condition with minor professional restoration, vibrant hand-coloring, and intact paper quality. The extended margins and restored neatline have been done to a high standard, making the piece suitable for framing and display.
Number 2:
Antique Celestial Map – Hemel Globe, Zodiac & Constellations by Halma, 1720
This striking double-hemisphere celestial chart, titled Hemel Globe. Coeli enarrant gloriam Dei (The Heavens Declare the Glory of God), was published in Amsterdam by François Halma around 1720. It presents the night sky as a richly decorated star atlas, combining scientific observation with artistic embellishment.
The chart depicts the constellations of the northern and southern skies, illustrated with mythological figures, zodiac signs, and animals. Prominent constellations such as Orion, Ursa Major, Scorpius, Leo, Cancer, and Sagittarius appear in vivid detail, while surrounding allegorical vignettes of putti, clouds, and birds frame the composition. A decorative cartouche crowns the map with its Dutch title, and a Latin banner at the bottom recalls the biblical phrase from Psalm 19, “The heavens declare the glory of God.”
Halma’s celestial charts are celebrated for their artistry as well as their scientific interest, reflecting the 18th-century fascination with astronomy and the grandeur of the cosmos. The use of hand-coloring enhances the mythical and symbolic imagery, making the sheet as decorative as it is instructive.
Condition report: Good condition, with original hand-coloring, but note that the sheet laid is down on board mount. Some expected toning and signs of age.
Framing tips: Consider a broad ivory mat with a gilt or dark wood frame to emphasize the celestial imagery.
Technique: Hand-colored engraving
Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.