Harmonia Macrocosmica - Planisphaerium Coeleste

by Andreas Cellarius

About this artwork

A magnificent celestial map from Cellarius's Harmonia Macrocosmica, one of the most beautiful astronomical atlases ever produced. The map shows the southern celestial hemisphere with constellations depicted as elaborate mythological figures. Zodiac signs encircle the hemisphere, and decorative cartouches feature astronomical instruments and allegorical figures representing astronomy. The map combines Ptolemaic and Copernican astronomical theories. Constellations are rendered with artistic flair, showing gods, heroes, and creatures from classical mythology. The map includes star positions, ecliptic lines, and celestial coordinates. Baroque decorative elements frame the hemisphere. This map represents the pinnacle of celestial cartography as both science and art.