Lot 33854: Thomas - Eagle & Arrow; Sagitta & Aquila Constellation

This originally hand-colored celestial engraving is from Corbinian Thomas's Mercurii philosophici firmamentum Firmianum descriptionem et usum globi artificialis coelestis.. The work was published in Frankfurt & Leipzig in 1730. This is from the rare first edition and perhaps the most beautiful smaller Celestial Atlas published. Linda Hall Library described the work as, "one of the unsung treasures of celestial cartography."

The plates in the work depicted celestial globes, wind rose, lunar map (after Hevelius), map of Salzburg, and constellation maps with zodiac signs. He used a nomenclature system developed on Coronelli's globes that included a Bayer Greek letter, Roman numeral for magnitude, and Arabic numeral for reference to a star catalog. The plates were engraved by A. C. Fleischmann, J. C. Bernd, and J. Hering.

Corbinianus Thomas (1694-1767) was a Benedictine monk, astronomer, mathematician, professor, and librarian. Thomas was one of the first celestial cartographers to place Camelopardalis to its own plate and the first to place some of the southern constellations to their own plates as well, including Indus and Pavo. He invented a constellation of his own, Corona Firmiana, to honor his patron, the archbishop of Salzburg.

~ 7 3/4" by 6 1/4"

Originally Hand-colored Engraving

1730

The work is in very good to excellent condition. There may be a few minor marks or imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.

Mercurii philosophici firmamentum Firmianum descriptionem et usum globi artificialis coelestis