|
||
|
|
|
|
This celestial map was published as part of Anthony Finley's rare American Celestial Atlas, which is recognized as likely the first American atlas to feature hand-colored astronomical charts. Finley's work meticulously reflects celestial positions and constellations based on the renowned Uranographia by Johann Elert Bode, integrating both scientific precision and artistic craftsmanship.
The map prominently showcases several key constellations. Among these are Cassiopeia, known for its distinctive "W" shape and mythological connection to the queen of Aethiopia; Perseus, the heroic figure associated with the rescue of Andromeda; and Andromeda itself, representing the princess chained to a rock, a central figure in Greek mythology. Caput Medusae is depicted with its characteristic placement as part of the Perseus constellation, while the adjacent constellations Triangulus Majus and Triangulum Minus illustrate the triangular formations recognized since antiquity. The map also features the lesser-known constellations of Musca and Lacerta, symbolizing a fly and a lizard, respectively, both introduced in the 17th century. Piscis Borealis, representing the Northern Fish, and the Via Laceta, a pathway across the celestial sphere, are also prominently displayed. Each constellation is meticulously rendered, reflecting the era's deep engagement with both the scientific and mythological traditions that underpin astronomical study.
Rarity
The map is exceedingly rare on the market. This is the first example we have had the opportunity to offer.
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.
![Auriga, The Charioteer [with Herschel's Telescope]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/67687.jpg)
![[ Ursa Major / Leo Minor ]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/106574.jpg)
