Celestial map of the sky, Virgo, Leo and Libra

Doppelmeyer, Johann Gabriel Celestial map of the sky in 1730. Part4. "Globi Coelestis in tabula Planas Redact pars IV...." Nuremburg Homann Johann Baptiste 1742
Copper engraved map of the sky, from Doppelmayer's " Atlas Coelestis" original full wash colour; verso blank.
The image is part 4 of the six sheets that make up the Sky [ as seen in 1730] by Doppelmayer. It shows the constellation of Virgo, Leo and Libra amongst others. Each constellation is stunningly illustrated in 18th century German baroque style. Text to the left and right of the map proper offers coordinates for the individual stars in each constellations which are identified via an alpha-numeric code. Good impression; full original wash colour to plate and text.

Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr (1677 - 1750)
Doppelmayr was born in Nuremberg to a merchant family. He attended the Aegidien-Gymnasium and the University of Altdorf where he studied mathematics, physics, and law. His graduating dissertation, a study of the Sun, suggests an early interest in Astronomy. Following his studies in Altdorf, Doppelmayr traveled extensively in Europe and is known to have spent time at the University of Halle, as well as in Utrecht, Leiden, Oxford, and London. He returned to Nuremburg in 1704 to take up a mathematics professorship at his alma mater, the Aegidien-Gymnasium. It may have been here that he developed a relationship with the prominent Nuremburg map publisher J. B. Homann, with whom he prepared a number of important astronomical maps and atlases. The collaboration of over 20 years eventually led to the publication of the "Atlas Coelestis" in 1742. This astounding work was the most elaborate and detailed astronomical atlas yet published and is today much admired for its rich beautifully engraved plates








Johann Baptist Homann (1664 – 1724)
from 1687 Homann worked as a civil law notary in Nuremberg. He soon turned to engraving and cartography; in 1702 he founded his own publishing house.
Homann acquired renown as a leading German cartographer, and in 1715 was appointed Imperial Geographer by Emperor Charles VI. Giving such privileges to individuals was an added right that the Holy Roman Emperor enjoyed. In the same year he was also named a member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences in Berlin. Of particular significance to cartography were the imperial printing privileges (Latin: privilegia impressoria). These protected for a time the authors in all scientific fields such as printers, copper engravers, map makers and publishers. They were also very important as recommendation for potential customers.
In 1716 Homann published his masterpiece "Grosser Atlas ueber die ganze Welt" Numerous maps were drawn up in cooperation with the engraver Christoph Weigel the Elder,
Homann died in Nuremberg. He was succeeded by the Homann heirs company, in business until 1848, known as "Homann Erben", "Homanniani Heredes", "Heritiers de Homann" abroad.
485 by 595mm (19 by 23½ inches).   ref: 2052  €850