Collecting Antique Maps - What about Celestial Maps? More Tips for the Novice!

As I mentioned previously understanding why a map was made, the lack of technologies at the time,  how a map fits in with the perceived geography, beliefs, social and cultural realities of a bygone era all has a bearing on how you view such a map today.  All these things can influence what maps we are personally attracted to. In  the last post we took a quick look at the ever popular hemisphere projections, always a winner. These maps effectively convert half of the spherical world to a circle. But hemispheres are just one kind of map.

Another favourite is Celestial Maps.  Mapping of the sky and its celestial bodies within star charts goes all the way back to Ptolemy who is credited with creating the first star catalogue around the year 150.  But the Golden Age of celestial cartography is roughly 1600 to 1800.  All benefiting from the technological advances in astronomical observations and printing techniques.  Many of the most notable star atlases and maps can cost thousands but there are many available at a reasonable price range for the novice collector with a celestial interest.
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Above Left: Planisphere Des Constellations Meridionalles  by Alain Manesson Mallet c1683  Above Right:  Planisphere Des Constellations Septenironalles by Alain Manesson Mallet c1683.  

There are many examples of celestial maps and you may need to hunt a bit harder as there can be strong competition for these maps.  If celestial maps tickle your fancy then do some research there are many variations and they come up in various online auctions so its worth searching the specialist auction houses. There is going to be something out there for you, within your price range, you just need to search .

Happy Hunting!

You can see more celestial maps by Alain Mallet HERE.