Astronomia - Solar System; Paravia - Astronomia e geografia matematica - 1901-1920





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A coloured lithographed map page titled Astronomia e geografia matematica, published by G. B. Paravia & C. for the Pennesi–Cora–Almagià school atlas, Torino, circa 1901–1920, in good condition.
Description from the seller
Technical data
Title: Astronomy and Mathematical Geography.
Author: Giuseppe Pennesi, Guido Cora and Roberto Almagià, names associated with the drafting and revision of the atlas.
Publisher/Printer: G. B. Paravia & C., as indicated in the editorial note at the bottom margin.
Place: Turin.
Period/Date: early 20th century, presumably the 1920s.
Technique: color lithographic printing, with coloring applied during printing.
Support: paper.
Dimensions: sheet 69.5 × 31 cm; figure area within the frame 62.5 × 28.5 cm.
Composition: single oblong-format plate, editorially folded, labeled "Plate 1" and taken from the Pennesi–Cora–Almagià School Atlas.
Description
Astronomical and cosmographic plate dedicated to the representation of the sky and to the explanation of the main phenomena of mathematical geography, published by G. B. Paravia & C. for the Pennesi–Cora–Almagià School Atlas.
The composition unfolds horizontally and gathers numerous scientific diagrams accompanied by captions in Italian. On the left dominates a large circular map of the northern starry sky, with constellations, star names, and a reference grid. In the same section the comparative sizes of the Sun and planets, the apparent motion of the Sun on the horizon of Rome, and the tilt of the ecliptic are illustrated.
The central part and the upper right describe the revolution of the Earth, the alternation of the seasons, and the different lighting conditions of the globe during solstices and equinoxes. Additional diagrams show differences in time, solar and lunar eclipses, and the Moon’s path during Earth’s revolution.
A wide lower inset presents the solar system with planetary orbits; in the lower right corner a portion of the lunar hemisphere visible from Earth is shown, with indications of the major surface formations.
The print uses blue, yellow, and orange tints, functional to distinguish the celestial bodies and the phenomena depicted. The panoramic format and the density of the figurative apparatus characterize this plate as a document of astronomical outreach and Italian school publishing of the early 20th century.
Historical-artistic note
The indication “Pennesi–Cora–Almagià: Atlante Scolastico” links the sheet to the tradition of geographical atlases published by Paravia, developed and updated through the contribution of several scholars. The names Giuseppe Pennesi, Guido Cora, and Roberto Almagià identify the scientific and editorial context of the work, without implying their direct execution of the lithographic drawing.
The plate belongs to a conception of the atlas in which terrestrial cartography was introduced by notions of astronomy and cosmography: the sky, the solar system, and the movements of the Earth formed the premises for understanding coordinates, seasons, and time measurement.
Condition Report
Paper with yellowing and browning, more pronounced along the margins, and scattered spots. Vertical editorial folds are present, with signs of handling and wear at the fold lines. Printing legible and colors preserved."
Technical data
Title: Astronomy and Mathematical Geography.
Author: Giuseppe Pennesi, Guido Cora and Roberto Almagià, names associated with the drafting and revision of the atlas.
Publisher/Printer: G. B. Paravia & C., as indicated in the editorial note at the bottom margin.
Place: Turin.
Period/Date: early 20th century, presumably the 1920s.
Technique: color lithographic printing, with coloring applied during printing.
Support: paper.
Dimensions: sheet 69.5 × 31 cm; figure area within the frame 62.5 × 28.5 cm.
Composition: single oblong-format plate, editorially folded, labeled "Plate 1" and taken from the Pennesi–Cora–Almagià School Atlas.
Description
Astronomical and cosmographic plate dedicated to the representation of the sky and to the explanation of the main phenomena of mathematical geography, published by G. B. Paravia & C. for the Pennesi–Cora–Almagià School Atlas.
The composition unfolds horizontally and gathers numerous scientific diagrams accompanied by captions in Italian. On the left dominates a large circular map of the northern starry sky, with constellations, star names, and a reference grid. In the same section the comparative sizes of the Sun and planets, the apparent motion of the Sun on the horizon of Rome, and the tilt of the ecliptic are illustrated.
The central part and the upper right describe the revolution of the Earth, the alternation of the seasons, and the different lighting conditions of the globe during solstices and equinoxes. Additional diagrams show differences in time, solar and lunar eclipses, and the Moon’s path during Earth’s revolution.
A wide lower inset presents the solar system with planetary orbits; in the lower right corner a portion of the lunar hemisphere visible from Earth is shown, with indications of the major surface formations.
The print uses blue, yellow, and orange tints, functional to distinguish the celestial bodies and the phenomena depicted. The panoramic format and the density of the figurative apparatus characterize this plate as a document of astronomical outreach and Italian school publishing of the early 20th century.
Historical-artistic note
The indication “Pennesi–Cora–Almagià: Atlante Scolastico” links the sheet to the tradition of geographical atlases published by Paravia, developed and updated through the contribution of several scholars. The names Giuseppe Pennesi, Guido Cora, and Roberto Almagià identify the scientific and editorial context of the work, without implying their direct execution of the lithographic drawing.
The plate belongs to a conception of the atlas in which terrestrial cartography was introduced by notions of astronomy and cosmography: the sky, the solar system, and the movements of the Earth formed the premises for understanding coordinates, seasons, and time measurement.
Condition Report
Paper with yellowing and browning, more pronounced along the margins, and scattered spots. Vertical editorial folds are present, with signs of handling and wear at the fold lines. Printing legible and colors preserved."

