Atlas Harmonia Macrocosmica by Andreas Cellarius

Atlas Harmonia Macrocosmica by Andreas Cellarius

The Atlas Harmonia Macrocosmia by Andreas Cellarius (ca. 1596–1665) is one of the most magnificently colored astronomical works of the Baroque period. The historical star atlas from 1661 shows the world according to models by Claudius Ptolemy, Nicolaus Copernicus, and Tycho Brahe on a total of 21 engravings. Eight further double-paged colored engravings are dedicated to star constellations with classical and Christian interpretations. With his first-class plates by Frederik Hendrik van den Hooven (ca. 1628–1698), Jan van Loon, and Jan Pieterszoon Saenredan (1565–1607), the celestial atlas impressively presents the observer with the development of the astronomical world view.

A German Astronomer in the Netherlands

The astronomer, mathematician, and cartographer Andreas Cellarius came from the area of Worms. However, he had lived and worked as a teacher in the Netherlands, where the manufacture of globes and precise maps had a long tradition, since 1625. The Atlas Harmonia Macrocosmia, his only astronomical work, was first published by Johannes Janssonius (1588–1664) in 1660. The Dutchman's publishing house in Amsterdam was well-known for astronomy and cartography, so Janssonius printed the work as a supplement to his Altlas Novus.

Popular Copperplate Charts

Few other astronomical works possess depictions that are as well-known as those from Cellarius' celestial atlas. Again and again, they were reproduced for books, posters, and even puzzles and enjoyed great popularity. They amaze their viewers with plentiful details again and again. Above all, the elaborate frame illustrations delight with numerous small angels, various astronomers, and also interesting astronomical instruments.