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Including Illustrations of the Great Observatories of the 18th Century

These two celestial maps, Planisfero Celeste Settentrionale (Northern Hemisphere) and Planisfero Celeste Meridionale (Southern Hemisphere), were created by Giovanni Maria Cassini and published in Rome in 1790.

The maps represent a beautifully detailed portrayal of the constellations visible in both hemispheres, emphasizing their mythological and astronomical significance. Each map meticulously illustrates the constellations as allegorical figures, a common practice in celestial cartography, reflecting the connection between ancient mythology and astronomy. 

In addition to the celestial elements, each map features four important observatories and scientific institutions from the 18th century, symbolizing the growing interest in astronomy and the scientific advancements of the Enlightenment period. In the Northern Hemisphere map, the observatories include the Specola del Collegio Romano (Roman College Observatory), established by the Jesuits and a crucial center for astronomical research in Rome, and the Specola di Milano (Milan Observatory), another vital Italian institution for astronomy, founded in 1764. Also depicted is the Specola di Bologna (Bologna Observatory), established in 1711 by the Bolognese Senate, which played a significant role in European astronomical research. Finally, the Specola di Padova (Padua Observatory), known for its association with Galileo, represents one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world, reflecting its crucial historical influence.

The Southern Hemisphere map continues this pattern, depicting other significant observatories of the era. The Specola di Parigi (Paris Observatory) is shown, an iconic center of astronomy founded in 1667, which continues to be one of the most important scientific institutions in France. The Specola di Greenwich (Greenwich Observatory) in England is featured prominently, as it was established in 1675 and later became the home of the Prime Meridian. Also depicted is the Specola di Casel (Capetown Observatory), located in what is now South Africa, which served as a critical point for southern celestial observations and was a project of the famous French astronomer Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille. The Specola di Copenaghen (Copenhagen Observatory) represents Denmark’s scientific contributions, with its strong association with Tycho Brahe and later Danish astronomers.

These celestial maps are not just practical astronomical tools but also symbolic representations of the Enlightenment's scientific and cultural achievements. Cassini’s inclusion of these significant observatories illustrates the broader European scientific network and the collaboration that defined the period, as these centers of learning worked to chart the heavens with increasing accuracy. Each observatory shown played an essential role in shaping the modern understanding of astronomy and reflects the global nature of astronomical inquiry during the 18th century.