Planisphaerium Ptolemaicum, sive machina orbium mundi ex hypothesi ptolemaica in plano disposita.
Folio [59.2 x 50.4 cm the sheet; 53.5 x 44.7 cm the platemark], (1) engraved sheet numbered 1 in the plate, with rich original color, heightened with gold. Minor toning to edge of sheet, otherwise excellent. A stunning example – in sharp, rich, original handcolor with gold highlights – of this first edition of Andreas Cellarius’ (c. 1596-1665) large engraving of the Ptolemaic System. It is fitting that Cellarius’ celestial atlas, the Harmonia Macrocosmica – the most spectacular printed atlas of its type – opens with the Ptolemaic Solar System: The engraving is not only among Cellarius’ most visually powerful celestial maps, but also represents the conceptual starting point of Western cosmography. The print depicts an Earth-centered planetary system with elaborate representations of the planets, moon and sun. Intriguingly, these are not shown as orbs, but as the mythological figures of Mercury, Luna, Sol, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn engaged in a chariot race around the Earth. Earth, surrounded by the four elements, is shown as the northern hemisphere of a modern globe, North America clearly visible. Astronomers are pictured in the lower corners with maps, atlases, globes and various instruments of their trade. These figures have tentatively been identified as Ptolemy himself at the right and Aristotle of Stagira at left. * I. C. Koeman, Atlantes Neerlandici, vol. 4, p. 2, no. 1; Van Gent, R. H. Andreas Cellarius, p. 29; Stott, pp. 12-13.
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