The Harmonia Macrocosmica, by Andreas Cellarius, was first printed in 1660 as an atlas of the stars during the Dutch Golden Age of Cartography. These beautifully decorated prints depict the planetary systems of Ptolemy, Copernicus, and Tycho Brahe, the motions of the sun, the moon, and the planets, and delineates the constellations in the form of classical and biblical figures, animals and instruments.

Andreas Cellarius was born in 1596 in Neuhausen, Germany, but was educated in Heidelberg. From 1625 to 1637, he worked as a schoolmaster in Amsterdam and The Hague. In 1637 he was appointed rector of the Latin School in Hoorn which is where he wrote the Harmonia Macrocosmica, along with other scholarly works. Originally intended as a historical introduction on cosmography, the prints that formed the Harmonia Macrocosmica have been considered to be some of the most beautiful and striking examples of Dutch cartography. The entire set, comprised of 29 engraved celestial charts, enlightens the mind and excites the imagination!

This Classic Vintage Style print honors the beauty of this unique art form and evokes the vivid images of simpler times. Each of our prints are custom reproductions printed on 68lb Heavyweight Enhanced Matte Art Paper. These Historic Art Prints are suitable for framing, mounting or direct display on any wall!

Plates of the Harmonia Macrocosmica: