Description
Very little is known about Andreas Cellarius, even though he is considered by many to have produced the most beautiful celestial atlas ever made. Born in Neuhausen, Germany (now known as Worms), Cellarius was educated at the University of Heidelberg. In 1625, he was working as a schoolmaster in Amsterdam. In 1637, he became the rector of the Latin School at Hoorn, Holland, where he remained for the rest of his life. He published works on fortifications and on Poland, but is remembered for Harmonia Macrocosmica, originally issued by Jan Jansson in 1660. The first edition, second issue, is identical except for the change of date to 1661. The Dutch publishers Peter Schenk and Gerard Valk reissued the Cellarius atlas in 1708 with the original copper plates; they are identified by the addition of their imprint in the right side title banner or in the lower center border. The edition of the charts offered here is indicated above; all are from the Schenk and Valk edition except one.
Condition: Generally very good, recently professionally cleaned and deacidified, with only light remaining toning and wear. Vertical centerfold professionally flattened.
References:
“Andreas Cellarius.” Wikipedia. 13 November 2014. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andreas_Cellarius (20 November 2014).
Brown, Basil. Astronomical Atlases, Charts and Maps: An Historical and General Guide. London: Dawsons of Pall Mall, 1968. 40-41.
Koeman, Cornelis and van der Krogt, Peter C.J. Atlantes Neerlandici. ‘T Goy-Houten : Westrenen, 1997. 2.
Snyder, George Sergeant. Maps of the Heavens. New York: Abbeville Press, 1984. p. 115.
