Cosmographie générale Circa 1830

This original circa 1830 French educational chart, entitled Cosmographie Générale, was published as plate number two of a universal atlas. Created to explain the principal astronomical theories of its period, it combines scientific diagrams with extensive descriptive text.

A large representation of the solar system dominates the centre, surrounded by smaller illustrations devoted to the movement of the Earth, the phases of the Moon, planetary cycles, the seasons and the theory of eclipses. Saturn, Jupiter and the terrestrial planets are identified within carefully constructed orbital diagrams.

Delicate shades of green, red, yellow and grey distinguish the celestial bodies against the finely printed background. The symmetrical arrangement and elegant typography bring clarity to a remarkable quantity of scientific information while retaining the decorative character of an early nineteenth-century atlas plate.

Cosmography traditionally brought together astronomy, geography and the study of the universe. Charts such as this were important educational tools, presenting complex scientific ideas through accessible illustrations and reflecting the growing public interest in astronomy during the nineteenth century.

A fascinating and highly decorative historical document, this original chart would make an excellent addition to a collection devoted to astronomy, cosmology, scientific illustration, antique maps or educational material.

Original poster

Astronomy - Space

Universal Atlas Number 2

Firmin Didot Frères Fils & Cie Paris

Good condition, folds, small tears