This celestial map is part of Anthony Finley's rare American Atlas, a significant work widely considered one of the first American atlases to feature hand-colored astronomical charts. Finley’s atlas, which draws heavily on the celestial positions and constellations described in Johann Elert Bode’s Uranographia, represents a milestone in early American cartography and celestial studies.
This particular map prominently features several key constellations. Dominating the scene is Hercules, depicted as a muscular figure wielding a club and holding the mythical serpent, Cerberus. Nearby is Cygnus, the Swan, which appears as a graceful bird with outstretched wings, symbolizing the celestial swan flying through the Milky Way. Vultur et Lyra includes both the Lyre, a small but significant constellation associated with the myth of Orpheus, and the figure of a vulture, marking the star Vega, one of the brightest stars in the northern sky.
Also featured is Sagitta, a small constellation representing an arrow, positioned between Cygnus and Aquila. Although diminutive, Sagitta has been included in star charts since antiquity. The map reflects these constellations in meticulous detail, showcasing both the artistic skill and scientific understanding of the early 19th century.
As with other maps in this atlas, the illustration captures both the mythological significance and the astronomically important features of these constellations. Finley’s map serves as an elegant blend of American craftsmanship and European celestial tradition, appealing to both amateur stargazers and serious astronomers of the period.
Rarity
This map is exceedingly rare on the market. This is the first example we have offered for sale.
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.