Vincenzo Maria Coronelli (1650-1718)
Fictus, Aloysi, Tibi Sistitur Orbis Ab Arte, Verus At Ante Pedes, Marte, Iubente, Cadet
[Astronomy Lesson]
Venice: 1689
Hand-colored engraving
18.5 x 24.5 inches, platemark
19.25 x 28.75 inches, overall
$2,800

A Coronelli print showing aristocrats receiving a geography or astronomy lesson.  The students are directed to a huge terrestrial globe, showing just the equator, tropical, eclipical (zodiac), and polar circles.  The globe rests on a Baroque stand supported by three turbaned atlas-like monopod term figures.  The print has three elaborate Baroque cartouches with dedications by Coronelli to King Louis XIV of France, and Italian dignitaries.              .

Vincenzo Maria Coronelli was one of the great geographers, authors and cartographic engravers of the Baroque period, a prolific writer on cartography as well as an esteemed globe maker, commissioned by royal and noble patrons. He was trained in theology and became a friar, but turned his energies increasingly to geography, producing more than 100 large and small globes, several hundred maps, geographic and cartographic publications, and seven volumes of a projected forty-five volume encyclopedia. In 1684 he founded the Accademia Cosmografica degli Argonauti in his native Venice, the first geographical society, mainly devoted to promoting his works.

Condition:  Generally very good with the usual overall toning and wear.  Few abrasions restored.  Vibrant hand color possibly later enhanced.  center fold as issued.

Reference:

Westfall, Richard S. "Vincenzo Maria Coronelli." Catalog of the Scientific Community. Albert Van. Helden, ed. 1995. http://es.rice.edu/ES/humsoc/Galileo/Catalog/Files/coroneli.html (12 August 2002).