CELLARIUS, Andreas (c.1596-1665). Harmonia Macrocosmica Seu Atlas Universalis Et Novus. Amsterdam: J. Jannson, 1661.

First edition, second issue, of “the most elaborate and famous celestial atlas of the 17^th century” (Koeman). Cellarius’ Harmonia Macrocomica is a magnificent example of the Golden Age of Dutch cartography, so great that it precluded the publication of any other Dutch celestial atlas to complete with it. It is replete with exquisite and imaginative depictions of celestial mechanics and the heavenly bodies. The 29 double-page maps are Cellarius’ original depictions of the planetary systems of Ptolemy, Copernicus, and Brahe, the motions of the sun, the moon, and the planets, and delineations of the constellations in the form of classical and biblical figures, animals and instruments. This 1661 issue is a variant of the first edition of 1660, identical except for the change of date on the title. In this copy, the plates are exquisitely colored and all from the first edition, without the addition of Valk & Schenk’s names. Koeman IV, Cel I & 2.

Folio (507 x 294mm). Engraved title and 29 double-page engraved charts, later hand-coloring with heightening in gold, 4 engraved and 2 woodcut illustrations (engraved title laid down, a few expert paper repairs, small marginal stain to fore-edge on about 20 leaves, the second plate of Christian constellations, at p.169, short at top and bottom margins). Contemporary vellum, red morocco label (soiling and some wear, recased, vellum corners repaired).