Observatory
Date
1673
Creator
Isaac Saal (Polish) , Engraver
After
Andreas Stech (1635 - 1697, Polish) , Painter
Object type
Library reference
44015
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height (plate): 315mm
width (plate): 365mm
width (plate): 365mm
Subject
Content object
Description
View of Johannes Hevelius's observatory, known by the name Sternenburg, in Denzig, Poland.
Five platforms are visible inside the observatory, with ladders leading from the bottom to the top, and outside are three large refracting telescopes, suspended from supports. Two men appear at work on a fourth large refractor, underneath the platform. Close up views of the apparatus on each floor frame the main tower of the observatory.
Plate 22 from Johannes Hevelius’ Machinae coelestis pars prior…, Vol. 1.
Inscribed below: ‘A. Stech Delin I. Saal Sculps’
Johannes Hevelius (1611-1687) Polish astronomer was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1664. This observatory, alongside various of his instruments and books, were destroyed by a fire in September 1679.
Five platforms are visible inside the observatory, with ladders leading from the bottom to the top, and outside are three large refracting telescopes, suspended from supports. Two men appear at work on a fourth large refractor, underneath the platform. Close up views of the apparatus on each floor frame the main tower of the observatory.
Plate 22 from Johannes Hevelius’ Machinae coelestis pars prior…, Vol. 1.
Inscribed below: ‘A. Stech Delin I. Saal Sculps’
Johannes Hevelius (1611-1687) Polish astronomer was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1664. This observatory, alongside various of his instruments and books, were destroyed by a fire in September 1679.
Object history
The Royal Society possess a copy of Volume 1 of Machinae coelestis pars prior… only. Volume 2 is rare, as many copies were burned in the fire of 1679.
Related fellows
Johannes Hevelius (1611 - 1687, German/Polish) , Astronomer
Associated place