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Description

From The First American Celestial Atlas

This celestial map is from Anthony Finley’s First American Celestial Atlas, a pioneering work that is regarded as the first American atlas to feature hand-colored astronomical charts. Finley’s charts are based on the celestial positions and constellations as depicted in Johann Elert Bode’s influential Uranographia, published in 1801.

The constellations featured in this map include Aries, Piscis Borealis, Piscis Australis, and Linum Piscium. Aries, representing the ram from Greek mythology, is drawn with notable detail, occupying a prominent position on the chart. It marks the first sign of the zodiac and has been central in astronomical and astrological traditions. The depiction of Piscis Borealis (the Northern Fish) and Piscis Australis (the Southern Fish) showcases the two fish associated with the myth of Aphrodite and Eros, who transformed into fish to escape the monster Typhon. These fish are connected by the delicate ribbon known as Linum Piscium, which symbolizes the mythological bond between them. 

Rarity

The map is rare on the market. This is the first example we have offered for sale.

Anthony Finley Biography

Anthony Finley (1784-1836) was an American map publisher. Little is known about his life. He is presumed to have been born in Philadelphia, where he also died. A publisher, Finley was also involved in several Philadelphia civic and professional societies such as the Philadelphia Apprentices’ Library. He may have been in business as early as 1809 and his first publication dates from ca. 1811.

His first maps also date from this year, with two maps in Daniel Edward Clarke’s Travels in Various Countries of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The first atlas published by Finley appeared in 1818, the Atlas classica, or, Select maps of ancient geography, both sacred and profane, for the use of colleges and schools in the United States. He is best known for his A New General Atlas Comprising a Complete Set of Maps (1824), which was a bestseller. There were two editions in 1824, with annual editions until 1834.

Finley was part of the first generation of American publishers who produced high quality, precise maps on American soil. He was in competition with other Philadelphia publishers, for example Henry S. Tanner. Finley’s A New American Atlas Designed Principally to Illustrate the Geography of the United States of America (1826) closely mirrors Tanner’s A New American Atlas Containing Maps of the Several States of the North American Union, with similar groupings of maps; the main difference is the smaller scale of Finley’s maps. Finley printed two editions of this atlas.