Cellarius' Planisphaerium Braheum Mundi Totius Ex Hypothesi is a two-dimensional ""plan"" rendering of Tyco Brahe's "compromise" explanation of celestial mechanics.

Brahe attempted to reconcile the classical Ptolemaic system with the observations of Galileo and the revolutionary theory of Copernicus. He proposed sun-centric orbits for Venus and Mercury; and showed this small solar system -- as well as the other planets -- in orbital paths centered around the earth.

Earth (Globus terre is shown in a north polar view that reveals a portion of the New World as well as the Old World of Europe, Asia and Africa. The celestial star sphere is represented by the zodiacal band of constellations surrounding the Brahean universe. The richly decorated borders show celestial angels and terrestrial humans with astrolabesand compasses, all in the presence of texts, globes and armillary spheres.

This is an exquisite work of art that illustrates the Brahean attempt to give a universally acceptable order to a world in transition. The strong geometry of the hypothetical overlapping orbital systems lends a very contemporary element to this ornate 17th century work. Our Perfect Recreation™ of this spectacular image transports to the 21st century this perfect example of the marriage of art and science that characterizes the Art of Discovery.

About Andreas Cellarius

Andreas Cellarius produced the most elaborately beautiful celestial atlas of the 17th century, the Atlas Coelestis seu Harmonia Macrocosmica. This startlingly gorgeous and imaginative work presented powerful visual explanations of the theories of Ptolemy, Copernicus and Brahe as well as ingenious star charts and lunar diagrams.

Cellarius was born in Germany in 1596; he lived and worked in Holland from 1625 until his death in 1665, a period coinciding with the Golden Age of Dutch map-making and engraving.

Simultaneous with with the era's geographic and scientific discoveries, the art of graphically representing and disseminating these new ideas via engraving and printing was perfected.

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