Accession No

2081

Brief Description

print of ‘Hypothesis Ptolemaica’ by Valk and Schenk, 1708

Origin

Amsterday; Netherlands

Maker

Valk. Gerardum & Schenk. Petrum

Class

prints; astronomy

Earliest Date

1708

Latest Date

1708

Inscription Date

Material

paper

Dimensions

breadth 634mm; height 535mm

Special Collection

Provenance

Purchased from Weinser & Douwma Ltd., 93 Great Russell Street, London, England, 07/1975.

Inscription

‘HYPOTHESIS PTOLEMAICA,
SIVE COMMUNIS, PLANETARUM
MOTUS PER ECCENTRICOS,
ET EPICYCLOS DEMONSTRANS.’ (top)
‘Apud Gerardum Valk, et Petrum Schenck, Amstelædami.’ (bottom)

Description Notes

Hand-coloured engraving showing Ptolemy’s theory of the planetary motions. Central large diagram and two secondary ones in the bottom corners, one showing the motion of the sun, the other showing the motion of a planet. Geometric principles of equant and deferent as used in Ptolemaic astronomy are demonstrated in main diagram, which is surrounded by a crcular border representing the sphere of fixed stars. Decorated with scrolled leafwork. Numbered ‘14’ (plate number) in bottom right hand corner and ‘37’ in ink in top right hand corner. Broad margins, centre fold; verso blank but remains of glued binding stub.

Condition good; complete.

References

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