Coronelli - Epitome Cosmografica - 1693
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Selected by Ilaria Colombo
Specialist in old books, specialising in theological disputes since 1999.
Estimate € 4,000 - € 8,000
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Epitome cosmografica by Vincenzo Maria Coronelli, an illustrated 1693 Italian atlas in parchment binding, 495 pages with a double-page six-part movable plate, in good condition and published in Colonia for Andrea Poletti.
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Description from the seller
CELESTIAL SPHERES, MOVING WORLDS, AND SECRETS OF THE ARGONAUTS: THE MAGICAL ATLAS OF CORONELLI
FIRST EDITION
The precious double-page plate with 6 movable parts (volvelles) is present and perfectly preserved.
Secret relations between the planets and the waters of the globe, scientific knowledge transmuted into initiatory knowledge. Vincenzo Coronelli’s Epitome cosmografica is not merely a treatise: it is a key to penetrating the hidden order of the universe, a grimoire of sacred astronomy and occult geography. This very rare 1693 exemplar, born from the legendary public lectures of the “cosmographer of the Serenissima,” guides the reader through armillary spheres, celestial globes, and animated planispheres—instruments conceived not only to measure the world but to reveal its invisible mechanisms. The six-part table is a mechanical oracle, an alchemical device to visualize the motion of the stars and the harmony of the cosmos. Coronelli, initiator and founder of the Academy of the Argonauts, shapes in this work a magical atlas, worthy of the solar courts and the esoteric libraries of Europe’s Baroque era.
MARKET VALUE
An absolute masterpiece of pre-Enlightenment cosmography, this work is valued today not only for its scientific importance but for its value as a mystical and symbolic object. A similar specimen recently appeared on the market at 7,800 USD. Its condition, together with the presence of movable parts, usually missing, further enhances its collectible allure.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
The precious double-page plate with 6 movable parts (volvelles) is present and perfectly preserved. Full parchment binding of a later, reused state. Two title pages, one of them illustrated. Pp. [44], 420 + 31 woodcut plates. Some stains on the last pages, copy in barbe, pages clean and bright, inks vibrant.
FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
Vincenzo Maria Coronelli
Epitome cosmografica, o compendiosa introduttione all'astronomia, geografia, & idrografia, per l'uso, dilucidatione, e fabbrica delle sfere, globi, planisferi, astrolabj e Tavole geografiche e particolarmente degli stampati, e spiegati nelle publiche lezioni dal p. maestro Vincenzo Coronelli M.C. cosmografo della Serenissima Republica di Venetia, e lettore di geografia. per l'Accademia degli Argonauti
Colonia, ad istanza di Andrea Poletti, 1693
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
This secret and monumental work is the first systematic attempt to fuse astronomy, geography, and hydrography into an harmonious synthesis, capable of reflecting the order of creation. The knowledge Coronelli transmits is not only technical but spiritual: he who learns to make an astrolabe also learns to read the divine design in the firmament. Each illustrated instrument is a talisman of precision and contemplation, each plate a portal between the visible world and the invisible. The Epitome anticipates the Enlightenment encyclopedic vision, yet it preserves its magical, Pythagorean, and Hermetic roots.
"Epitome cosmografica, o compendiosa introduttzione all'astronomia, geografia & idrografia" is a work published in 1693, which synthesizes astronomy, geography, and hydrography in a practical way, with the aim of facilitating the use of spheres, globes, and other tools for geographic representation. The work is especially designed to be used in public lectures and for the construction of these instruments.
The work is structured in three books:
First book: Treats astronomy and the use of the compass.
Second book: Focuses on terrestrial geography and natural phenomena.
Third book: Describes globes, armillary spheres, and astrolabes.
In substance, the "Epitome cosmografica" is a reference work for cosmography, aiming to condense astronomical, geographical, and hydrographic knowledge into a practical, easily consultable volume, useful for teaching and for the construction of geographic instruments such as spheres, globes, and astrolabes.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
Vincenzo Maria Coronelli (1650–1718), a Venetian friar, cosmographer of the Serenissima, tireless traveler and creator of globes. Master engraver and mathematician, he published fundamental treatises on geography, astronomy, and cartography, earning European fame. He is responsible for the invention of scientific and educational instruments of extraordinary precision, conceived as spiritual tools for interpreting the harmony of the universe.
PRINTING HISTORY AND CIRCULATION
Printed in 1693 in Cologne for Andrea Poletti, the work circulated among cultural and scientific elites, but in extremely limited copies. Rare and incomplete in most surviving copies, it is today housed in a few private and institutional collections. The movable plates and original diagrams give each exemplar a unique, ritual aura.
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
European Americana 693/50
Houzeau & Lancaster 8006
Riccardi I, 374–375
Bibliothèque nationale de France, Fonds Coronelli
Catalogues: Librairie Le Bail, Daniel Crouch Rare Books, Martayan Lan
Seller's Story
Luxury Books: Your Go-To Guide for Nabbing Literary Treasures!
Embarking on the thrilling journey of collecting rare and timeless printed works? Here's your snappy rundown, "The Collector's Cheat Sheet," to ensure you're not just flipping pages but stacking up the value:
1. Edition and Rarity: Rarity is the name of the game. First editions, limited printings, and books flaunting unique features like eye-catching illustrations or mind-blowing bindings? Consider them the VIPs of the collector's world.
2. Condition & Dimension: Picture this – a book in mint condition, untouched by the woes of wear and tear. Now, flip the script: wear, foxing, discoloration – they're the villains here. And don't forget to size up the dimensions, because a book's size matters in the collector's universe.
3. Authenticity: In a world of replicas and forgeries, verifying a book's authenticity is your superhero move. Expert examination and authentication – your trusty sidekicks in this quest.
4. Provenance: Who owned it before you? If the book has hobnobbed with famous figures or danced through historical events, its value skyrockets. Every book has a story, but some have blockbuster tales.
5. Demand and Market Trends: Think of book values as the stock market of the literary world. Stay savvy on collector trends and market shifts to ride the waves of value.
6. Subject Matter: Some topics are like fine wine – they get better with time. Dive into subjects with a timeless appeal or ride the wave of emerging cultural and historical relevance.
7. Binding and Design: Beauty is more than skin deep. Intricate bindings, stunning covers, and illustrations – these are the accessories that make a book runway-ready in the collector's eyes.
8. Association Copies: Books with a personal touch – whether it's a connection to the author or a famous personality – elevate the historical vibes. A book with a backstory? Count us in.
9. Investment Potential: Passion is the engine, but some collectors eye future returns. Keep in mind, though, that the book market can be as unpredictable as a plot twist.
10. Expert Advice: New to the game? Don't play solo. Seek wisdom from the book gurus, hit up book fairs, and join collector communities. We at Luxury Books are the Yodas of the rare book galaxy, helping you build collections that scream sophistication and cultural clout.
Because collecting rare books isn't just about dollar signs – it's a journey of preserving heritage and embracing literary treasures. Happy collecting!
Translated by Google TranslateCELESTIAL SPHERES, MOVING WORLDS, AND SECRETS OF THE ARGONAUTS: THE MAGICAL ATLAS OF CORONELLI
FIRST EDITION
The precious double-page plate with 6 movable parts (volvelles) is present and perfectly preserved.
Secret relations between the planets and the waters of the globe, scientific knowledge transmuted into initiatory knowledge. Vincenzo Coronelli’s Epitome cosmografica is not merely a treatise: it is a key to penetrating the hidden order of the universe, a grimoire of sacred astronomy and occult geography. This very rare 1693 exemplar, born from the legendary public lectures of the “cosmographer of the Serenissima,” guides the reader through armillary spheres, celestial globes, and animated planispheres—instruments conceived not only to measure the world but to reveal its invisible mechanisms. The six-part table is a mechanical oracle, an alchemical device to visualize the motion of the stars and the harmony of the cosmos. Coronelli, initiator and founder of the Academy of the Argonauts, shapes in this work a magical atlas, worthy of the solar courts and the esoteric libraries of Europe’s Baroque era.
MARKET VALUE
An absolute masterpiece of pre-Enlightenment cosmography, this work is valued today not only for its scientific importance but for its value as a mystical and symbolic object. A similar specimen recently appeared on the market at 7,800 USD. Its condition, together with the presence of movable parts, usually missing, further enhances its collectible allure.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
The precious double-page plate with 6 movable parts (volvelles) is present and perfectly preserved. Full parchment binding of a later, reused state. Two title pages, one of them illustrated. Pp. [44], 420 + 31 woodcut plates. Some stains on the last pages, copy in barbe, pages clean and bright, inks vibrant.
FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
Vincenzo Maria Coronelli
Epitome cosmografica, o compendiosa introduttione all'astronomia, geografia, & idrografia, per l'uso, dilucidatione, e fabbrica delle sfere, globi, planisferi, astrolabj e Tavole geografiche e particolarmente degli stampati, e spiegati nelle publiche lezioni dal p. maestro Vincenzo Coronelli M.C. cosmografo della Serenissima Republica di Venetia, e lettore di geografia. per l'Accademia degli Argonauti
Colonia, ad istanza di Andrea Poletti, 1693
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
This secret and monumental work is the first systematic attempt to fuse astronomy, geography, and hydrography into an harmonious synthesis, capable of reflecting the order of creation. The knowledge Coronelli transmits is not only technical but spiritual: he who learns to make an astrolabe also learns to read the divine design in the firmament. Each illustrated instrument is a talisman of precision and contemplation, each plate a portal between the visible world and the invisible. The Epitome anticipates the Enlightenment encyclopedic vision, yet it preserves its magical, Pythagorean, and Hermetic roots.
"Epitome cosmografica, o compendiosa introduttzione all'astronomia, geografia & idrografia" is a work published in 1693, which synthesizes astronomy, geography, and hydrography in a practical way, with the aim of facilitating the use of spheres, globes, and other tools for geographic representation. The work is especially designed to be used in public lectures and for the construction of these instruments.
The work is structured in three books:
First book: Treats astronomy and the use of the compass.
Second book: Focuses on terrestrial geography and natural phenomena.
Third book: Describes globes, armillary spheres, and astrolabes.
In substance, the "Epitome cosmografica" is a reference work for cosmography, aiming to condense astronomical, geographical, and hydrographic knowledge into a practical, easily consultable volume, useful for teaching and for the construction of geographic instruments such as spheres, globes, and astrolabes.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
Vincenzo Maria Coronelli (1650–1718), a Venetian friar, cosmographer of the Serenissima, tireless traveler and creator of globes. Master engraver and mathematician, he published fundamental treatises on geography, astronomy, and cartography, earning European fame. He is responsible for the invention of scientific and educational instruments of extraordinary precision, conceived as spiritual tools for interpreting the harmony of the universe.
PRINTING HISTORY AND CIRCULATION
Printed in 1693 in Cologne for Andrea Poletti, the work circulated among cultural and scientific elites, but in extremely limited copies. Rare and incomplete in most surviving copies, it is today housed in a few private and institutional collections. The movable plates and original diagrams give each exemplar a unique, ritual aura.
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
European Americana 693/50
Houzeau & Lancaster 8006
Riccardi I, 374–375
Bibliothèque nationale de France, Fonds Coronelli
Catalogues: Librairie Le Bail, Daniel Crouch Rare Books, Martayan Lan
Seller's Story
Luxury Books: Your Go-To Guide for Nabbing Literary Treasures!
Embarking on the thrilling journey of collecting rare and timeless printed works? Here's your snappy rundown, "The Collector's Cheat Sheet," to ensure you're not just flipping pages but stacking up the value:
1. Edition and Rarity: Rarity is the name of the game. First editions, limited printings, and books flaunting unique features like eye-catching illustrations or mind-blowing bindings? Consider them the VIPs of the collector's world.
2. Condition & Dimension: Picture this – a book in mint condition, untouched by the woes of wear and tear. Now, flip the script: wear, foxing, discoloration – they're the villains here. And don't forget to size up the dimensions, because a book's size matters in the collector's universe.
3. Authenticity: In a world of replicas and forgeries, verifying a book's authenticity is your superhero move. Expert examination and authentication – your trusty sidekicks in this quest.
4. Provenance: Who owned it before you? If the book has hobnobbed with famous figures or danced through historical events, its value skyrockets. Every book has a story, but some have blockbuster tales.
5. Demand and Market Trends: Think of book values as the stock market of the literary world. Stay savvy on collector trends and market shifts to ride the waves of value.
6. Subject Matter: Some topics are like fine wine – they get better with time. Dive into subjects with a timeless appeal or ride the wave of emerging cultural and historical relevance.
7. Binding and Design: Beauty is more than skin deep. Intricate bindings, stunning covers, and illustrations – these are the accessories that make a book runway-ready in the collector's eyes.
8. Association Copies: Books with a personal touch – whether it's a connection to the author or a famous personality – elevate the historical vibes. A book with a backstory? Count us in.
9. Investment Potential: Passion is the engine, but some collectors eye future returns. Keep in mind, though, that the book market can be as unpredictable as a plot twist.
10. Expert Advice: New to the game? Don't play solo. Seek wisdom from the book gurus, hit up book fairs, and join collector communities. We at Luxury Books are the Yodas of the rare book galaxy, helping you build collections that scream sophistication and cultural clout.
Because collecting rare books isn't just about dollar signs – it's a journey of preserving heritage and embracing literary treasures. Happy collecting!
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Number of books
1
Subject
History
Book title
Epitome Cosmografica
Author/ Illustrator
Coronelli
Condition
Good
Publication year oldest item
1693
Height
194 mm
Edition
Illustrated Edition
Width
146 mm
Language
Italian
Original language
Yes
Publisher
Colonia, ad istanza di Andrea Poletti, 1693
Binding/ Material
Vellum
Extras
Tipped in plates
Number of pages
495
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