Celestial table globe. URANOGRAPHIA / SYDERUM ET STELLARUM / in Singulis Syderibus conspicuarum / exhibens Delineationem accuratissimam, / qua / ex Observationibus Astronomi plane Singularis / IOHANIS HEVELII / usque ad finem anni MDCC emendata est. / Nova praeterea methodo additus est / ex mente LOTHARII ZUMBACH M.D. et Mathem. Claris. / HORIZON ad MERIDIANUM AMSTELAEDAMENSEM / accurate per annes plures quam ducentos Lunae Syzygias indicans, / praeter annes commune et bissextiles; / Opera et Studio / GERHARDI et LEONHARDI VALK / Amstelaedamensium 1715. / cum Privilegio.

A magnificent and rare, early 18th century, 46 cm. (18 inches.) celestial table globe produced by Gerard and Leonard Valk. First state.

Made of a set of beautiful original hand-colored, copper engraved gores. With a wooden horizon ring; a highly unusual two-pointer brass hour ring (a small, thin metal circle on the top of a globe, divided into 24 segments and imprinted or engraved with the hours of the day and night. By turning it, one can calculate the time difference between various locations on the globe); a graduated brass meridian ring, and four stunning fluted table legs complete with circular, turned ebony feet; resting on sturdy cross-stretchers; an ebony central stand; a base consisting of beautiful circular rings of segmented (wood), inset with alternate concentric circles of an ornate and pleasing floral design. Height 71cm. (28 inch.);

TITLE (translated): Uranographia, showing a most accurate depiction of the constellations and the conspicuous stars in the individual constellations, which is adapted from the observations of the matchless astronomer Johannes Hevelius for the end of the year 1700. Moreover, by a new method invented by Lotharius Zumbach, Doctor of Medicine and a famous mathematician, the horizon at the meridian of Amsterdam is added, showing accurately for more than 200 years the syzygies of the moon, as well as the common years and the bissextiles. By the labor and enthusiasm of Gerard and Leonard Valk from Amsterdam, in 1715. With privilege. DEDICATION (a leaf encircled cartouche between Hydra and Argo.): VIRO / AMPLISSIMA DIGNITATE / ac / MERITORUM SPLENDORE / CONSPICUO / IOHANNI TRIP, J.U.D. / Reipublicae Amstelaedamensis / CONSULI GRAVISSIMO, / Societatis Indiae Orientalis / MODERATORI INTEGERRIMO, / Toparchae in berkenrode / IUSTISSIMO, / &c. / URANOGRAPHIAM / hic ea, qua par est, / reverentia / D.D.D. / GERHARDUS et LEONHARDUS / VALK. (Translation): To Johannes Trip, J.U.D., a man noteworthy for is most splendid deserts and for the brilliance of his virtues, the most eminent consul of the State of Amsterdam, the incorruptible director of the East India Company, most upright Lord of Berkenrode, etc., the Uranographia is given and dedicated with equal reverence, by Gerhard and Leonard Valk.

Complete with the Equator, the tropics, the polar circles, a half equinoctal colure, and a half circle of declination through 30 degrees. Ecliptic, circles, and parallels of latitude every 5 degrees. The equator and ecliptic are graduated. The stars/constellations are represented as figures, and their names are in Latin. There is a legend that is crowned by the sun. An attractive “Sextans Uraniae” is situated just below “Leo.” Established at the end of the previous century by Gerard Valk, and assisted by his son Leonard, the firm became the only publisher of globes in the Netherlands in the 18th century. In Amsterdam, Gerard began his publishing firm producing maps and atlases in co-operation with Petrus Schenk about 1680. It was about 30 years later that he started to publish globes with his son. After the death of Leonard, the firm continued under the stewardship of his widow, Maria Schenk, towards the end of the 18th century, the globe factory came into the possession of Cornelis Covens.

The globe is in fine condition, cleaned and revarnished, the gold embossing has been raised in certain places. The coloring is fine and original. The celestial figures are finely engraved and rendered in truly glorious and eye-catching detail, including gold embossing to the stars, the constellations, and the decorative sextant.

Provenance: private collector from The Netherlands.

Literature: Van der Krogt, Peter, Old globes in the Netherlands, p. 250, Val 74., Van der Krogt, Peter, Globi Neerlandici, pp. 299-336 and pp. 562-565. Dekker, Elly, pp. 514-515.