Eigentlicher Abrib und Situation deb Neuen Sternes, wie derselbe zu Regensburg, und anderer Orthen im H. Rom. Riech den 14/24, 15/25, 16/26 Decembris des 1652. Jahrs, Observiert und gesehen worden.

• Price: $145.00
  

  SKU: 102224

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• ARTIST: Matthaus Merian the Younger

• MEDIUM: Engraving,

  DATE: c. 1660

• EDITION SIZE: Image size 10 1/8 x 9 1/4" (25.8 x 23.5 cm) plus margins

• DESCRIPTION: This engraving, titled Eigentlicher Abrb und Situation deb Neuen Sternes, was created by Matthaus Merian the Younger (1621–1687) and documents the observations of a comet near the Pleiades on December 24–26, 1652 (Gregorian Calendar), with corresponding Julian Calendar dates of December 14–16. The engraving includes a compass card (Septentrio = North, Oriens = East, Meridies = South, Occidens = West), indicating the comet’s visibility in the eastern sky. Notably, the depiction of the Pleiades is inverted, likely reflecting telescopic observation, which flips images. This inversion led to confusion, with some mistaking the Pleiades for Ursa Major. Although the recorded positions of the comet differ from its actual path, as clarified by modern ephemeris data, the engraving serves as a valuable eyewitness account of a celestial event that has not recurred. <br><br> The comet's cultural significance is evident in its reference in A Narrative of the Planting of the Massachusetts-Colony &c. (1694), where it was described as a "Caelestial Flambeau" following the Pleiades and linked to the death of Massachusetts Puritan minister John Cotton. Merian’s engraving exemplifies the blend of artistic skill and scientific curiosity characteristic of early modern astronomy, offering a vivid glimpse into how celestial phenomena were documented and interpreted in the 17th century.

• ADDITIONAL INFO: This piece is in a 14 x 16 inch archival mylar for handling.

• CONDITION: Good conditon overall. Mild staining from handling throughout. Small bookworm hole in the image.

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• CATEGORIES: Maps