Gaius Julius Hyginus, 14 October 1482

HYGINUS, Gaius Julius (c.1–c.100). Poeticon astronomicon. Edited by Jacobus Sentinus and Johannes Lucilius Santritter. Venice: Erhard Ratdolt, 14 October 1482.

First illustrated edition (second overall) with the first depiction of constellations and planets in print. Hyginus’ text was first published in an unillustrated edition of 1475, but was a natural candidate for a series of woodcut illustrations. Attributed to Santritter and based on manuscript illuminations, the representations show human figures, beasts and the various objects used to delineate the shapes made by constellations, such as the lyre for Lyra, the bow and arrow for Sagicta and belt on Orion. The planets are represented by their Roman namesakes on chariots featuring their mythological attributes, including Mercurius with his caduceus, Mars his sword aloft and Venus her spear accompanied by her son Cupid. This edition crystallized many of these traditional depictions and was used as a reference for centuries, directly influencing the design of celestial atlases and other astronomical works.

Uncorrected errors in signing d3 as c3 and g1v as g2 (the latter known in this copy only) suggest that this is the earliest known issue. HC *9062; BMC V 286; BSB-Ink H-459; Bod-inc H-251; CIBN H-334; Essling 285; GW 13678; Goff H-560; Klebs 527.2; ISTC ih00560000.

Chancery quarto (195 × 138mm). 57 leaves (of 58, without initial blank), verso of g1 signed ‘g2’. First leaf printed in red and black. Gothic and Greek types. Woodcut illustrations and initials (a few leaves browned, scattered small stains). Modern stamped calf gilt to style (rubbed at extremities). Provenance: early marginalia in Greek and Latin (trimmed).