''PLANIGLOBII TERRESTRIS CUM UTROQ HEMISPHÆRIO CÆLESTI'' (A General Representation of the Planar Projection of Earth with both Celestial Hemispheres).(Image: 19 x 21 5/8’’).
Nuremberg: Johann Baptist Homann, c. 1730. Engraved map with original hand-coloring. Printer crease (not tear) in lower right corner.
This remarkably detailed & highly decorative map depicts the double hemispheres of the heavens & earth. The celestial spheres show the northern & southern hemi-spheres with the zodiac & constellations represented by mythical beasts & heroes, goddesses & dragons, a sailing vessel & serpents - suggesting an underlying meaning & power of the heavens. Brightness of individual stars is indicated by corresponding symbols.
The western hemisphere depicts California in a peninsular formation, retaining the older northwest coast concepts that existed before the California island theory raised doubts about the region to the north (note the westward extension of the northern coast).
The spheres are surrounded by animated vignettes that relay, in marvelous detail and with Latin explanation along the bottom, the Seven Geophysical Wonders of the World!
Shipped unmatted.
