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Figura observat Comet No. 7
Named collection: Allan Forbes Collection
Object type: engraving
Maker: Stopendaal, Bastiaen
Place made: Netherlands, North Holland, Amsterdam
Date made: 1668
Materials: ink; laid paper; mounting
Measurements: 12 3/4 in x 15 3/4 in
Nomenclature: astronomical
Classification: whales
Book page illustrating an uncolored celestial map, showing both the figural representations of the constellations and the stars of which they are composed. Has a key describing the symbols for different magnitudes of stars, bottom left. The progress of a comet through this area of the sky is demarcated, along with the dates that each observation was made, from 31 December to 2 February (year unspecified). Comet passes though Cetus and Pisces. Entitled, in lower margin, "Figura observat Comet. a R.D.P. AEgidio Franc. de Gottinies S.I. in Collegio Rom. Math. Prof. mens. Ian. et Febr. factar ad Communicat R. D. P. Alb. Curtij S. I. pertin."; plate no.7. "No. 7" is in a different ink from the rest of the object, and may be hand-written. From "Theatrum Cometicum", a 1668 text about comet sightings throughout history and their meanings.
AF-AX-1057