Planisphaerium coeleste Antique Astronomy Map Engraved on Wood

31" x 15"

The Planisphaerium Coeleste is an antique celestial map, engraved on wood , displaying the heavens in a beautifully artistic and scientifically detailed manner. This type of map typically shows the arrangement of the stars, constellations, and sometimes planets as they appear from Earth, often focusing on both hemispheres of the celestial sphere.

Features of a wood-engraved Planisphaerium Coeleste include:

• Detailed Constellations: Engraved depictions of constellations, often with mythological figures that represent their classical names, such as Orion, Andromeda, and Pegasus.
• Intricate Star Patterns: Dots or symbols of varying sizes represent different magnitudes of stars, illustrating their brightness.
• Hemispherical View: The map is divided into two sections, one for the northern hemisphere and one for the southern hemisphere, showing the starry sky as it would be visible from each.
• Labeled Coordinates: The celestial equator, ecliptic lines, and other coordinate systems are often marked, showing the movement of celestial bodies.
• Antique Style: The wood engraving technique results in a fine, textured appearance, typical of older astronomical illustrations, with a limited but rich color palette—if colored at all, it might feature subtle hand-tinted shades.

These celestial maps are not only scientific but also artistic, capturing the fascination with the cosmos in early astronomy. They represent a blend of science, mythology, and artistry from an era when mapping the stars was both a scholarly pursuit and an art form.