Often described as one of the most delightful star atlases ever made, the Harmonia Macrocosmica by Andreas Cellarius was first published in Amsterdam in 1660 at the printing company of Johannes Janssonius. The large-format book includes more than 350 pages and nearly 30 superb full-page copper engravings by Jan van Loon and a title page illustration by Frederik Hendrik van den Hooven.
Although little is known about Andreas Cellarius’ life, the title page reveals that he worked as a school principal in the town of Hoorn, currently in northern Netherlands. Cellarius was born in Neuhausen near Worms around the year 1596, and his name is probably a latinization of Keller, which might derive from Kellermeister (cellar master). Along with Cellarius’ works, the renowned publishing company owned by Johannes Janssonius also published masterpieces by Aratus, Descartes, Adriaan Metius, and Lucretius’ didactic poems.
Discovering the Universe Through Breathtaking Copper Engravings
The work features a decorated frontispiece and 29 full-page copperplate engravings detailing the world systems of some of the greatest scientists in history — Ptolemy, Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Aratus — as well as the theory of movement of planets and the northern and southern hemispheres. Although only some are signed, all 29 copperplate engravings were crafted by Jan van Loon, an exceptionally talented engraver who enjoyed little recognition in the history of art.
The elegantly written Baroque title page features a small-size illustration of two male figures with a trumpet angel and an armillary sphere with the Latin words vivitur ingenio (genius lives on), as a symbol of the union between art and science. The illustration is the work of Frederik Hendrik van den Hooven, a renowned copper engraver who was also active as a book illustrator in London.
We have 1 facsimile edition of the manuscript "Harmonia Macrocosmica": Die Harmonie der grossen Welt: Harmonia Macrocosmica seu Atlas Universalis Novus facsimile edition, published by Coron Verlag, 2006Request Info / Price