Celestial Atlas of Harmony

Andreas Cellarius's hand-colored engravings represent the perfection of an art that charted the scientific advances of the 16th and 17 th centuries. This great ere of map engraving, centered in the Netherlands, developed along with the proliferation of discoveries in science and art. In addition to their value as scientific documents, these maps are exquisite works of art. To widen their appeal, they were embellished with intricate designs of mythological creatures-cherubs, dragons, gods and goddesses-cavorting exuberantly among the clouds above the dignified presence of learned astronomers. Fresh, vivid in color and inventiveness, Cellarius's splendid work attests to the curiosity and creative freedom of humankind.