AF-AX-1064.T.jpg

Book page illustrating an uncolored celestial map, showing both the figural representations of the constellations and the stars of which they are composed. The progress of a comet through this area of the sky is demarcated. Dates of observation are noted for each position of the comet, from 13 December 1664 to 5 January 1665. Features the constellation Cetus, the whale; an inscription in pencil highlights its presence. Below the celestial map and also to its left are several sketches of the comet itself on various dates, with notes in Latin. Entitled "Figura observat Cometicar. Coloniae Agripp a.d. 13 Dec. 1664 ad d. 5 Ianua 1665. factar. ad Communicat. Illustris. D. Ion. Ern. de Rautenstein. Ministri Status, et ad Conventum Ratisb. Legati Neoburgici pertinens."; plate no.1.
From "Theatrum Cometicum", a 1668 text about comet sightings throughout history and their meanings.


whales
1668-01-02
PERMANENT COLLECTION
Hart Nautical
Gerardi, G.
ink; laid paper; mounting
12 3/4 in x 15 in
Netherlands: Amsterdam