Map of the Southern Hemisphere, from 'The Celestial Atlas, or The Harmony of the Universe' (Atlas coelestis seu harmonia macrocosmica) pub. by Joannes Janssonius, Amsterdam, 1660-61

This map of the Southern Hemisphere comes from Andreas Cellarius's Harmonia Macrocosmica, published by cartographer Johannes Janssonius in Amsterdam in 1660-61. It is the only celestial atlas made during the golden age of Dutch cartography, and is probably considered the most refined ever produced. The work includes 29 finely colored double-page plates that map the structure of the heavens, illustrating the astronomical theories of Ptolemy, Copernicus, and Tycho Brahe. This particular map depicts the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere represented according to classical tradition, with mythological and zoomorphic figures that evoke the charm of Baroque astronomy. The southern constellations became known in Europe in the 17th century thanks to great exploratory voyages.

Feel history under your fingertips