Introduction

Maps of the heavens come in many shapes and sizes, from different era and cultures. Two of the most celebrated examples of celestial cartography are the atlases produced by Dutch-German cartographer Andreas Cellarius (ca. 1596-1665) and German mathematician, cartographer, and astronomer Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr (1677-1750).

Andreas Cellarius's Harmonica Macrocosmica was originally published in 1661 as the final part of a publishing initiative that began in 1569 by Gerard Mercator - an attempt to publish an all-encompassing "cosmographical atlas" that explored ancient and modern geography, the oceans, cities, and the celestial sphere. Harmonia Macrocosmica is known for its detailed and beautifully colored plates that illustrate the history of astronomy.

Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr's Atlas Coelestis was published in 1742 by the publishing firm of Johann Baptist Homann. Like Cellarius's work, Doppelmayr created detailed and informative charts to illustrate complex celestial knowledge. In Atlas Coelestis, Doppelmayr summarized and illustrated scientific knowledge about the universe.

Throughout the exhibit you will see numerous plates from both Harmonia Macrocosmica and Atlas Coelestis. Both collections - and many more items on display - were generously donated by Mr. Donald Sheff.