This wonderful antique engraving is from the rare first edition Celestial Atlas published in 1730 by Frankfurt & Leipzig. It is from Corbinian Thomas's Mercurii philosophici firmamentum Firmianum descriptionem et usum globi artificialis coelestis.. Linda Hall Library called the work as, "one of the unsung treasures of celestial cartography."

Celestial globes, wind rose, lunar map (after Hevelius), map of Salzburg, and constellation maps with zodiac signs were so artfully depicted in the plates. The plates were engraved by A. C. Fleischmann, J. C. Bernd, and J. Hering.

Corbinianus Thomas (1694-1767) was a Benedictine monk, astronomer, mathematician, professor, and librarian. Thomas was the first to place some of the southern constellations to their own plates as well, including Indus and Pavo. He invented a constellation of his own, Corona Firmiana, to honor his patron, the archbishop of Salzburg.

Country of Origin: Germany.

Artist: Corbinian Thomas (1694-1767)

Title: Cepheus Constellation.

Medium: Engraving with Recent Professional Hand-coloring,

Size: 7 1/2 by 6 1/2 inches.

Date: 1730

Condition: The work is in Very Good Antique Condition, considering it is nearly 500 years old. Please review the images carefully for condition and contact me with any questions.

Literature: Mercurii philosophici firmamentum Firmianum descriptionem et usum globi artificialis coelestis

**Please note that the physical colors of this item may vary from the pictures in the listing, given the quality of the camera, the lighting and the background used.