Sternenkarte - Northern Hemisphere; La Hire

Cartographer: La Hire, Philippe de (Design) Title: Celestial Planisphere Northern. Copper engraving sky map of the northern hemisphere with richly decorative constellation figures, surrounding astronomical explanatory texts, network of lines, and scales, as well as an engraved dedication cartouche at the bottom right. Publisher, Place and Year: at DESNOS Geographer and Engineer for the Globes and Spheres, rue St. Jacques au Globe, Paris 1770 Sheet dimensions: 55 cm x 59.5 cm (plate size: approx. 47 cm x 46 cm) Description: Large celestial planisphere globe of the northern sky in a circular profile. The center shows finely engraved, artistically rendered constellations (including the Great Bear, Little Bear, Dragon, Cepheus and Cassiopeia) with grid lines and scale labels on the outer circle. In the image corners and on the side areas there are extensive explanatory French accompanying texts on astronomy and the handling of the celestial map. Bottom right a decorative dedication cartouche for Abbé Jean Paul Bignon, issued in the late edition by Louis-Charles Desnos in the year 1770. Background: The design originates from the astronomer and mathematician Philippe de La Hire (1640–1718), who originally studied art in Italy and is best known for his writings on conic sections as well as his star charts. First published by Nicolas de Fer, one of the most significant French map publishers. The master engraving was carried out by Hendrick van Loon. Condition: Paper variously aged, somewhat foxed, with a larger water stain. With a small edge tear at the bottom; the upper right and left corners have small holes outside the motif (these old repairs). Sheet minimally trimmed, yet with wide margins. Overall still a good specimen. Minimum price: €250

Estimate:$335.2

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