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Figura motus quotidiani Cometae etc.. No. 30
Named collection: Allan Forbes Collection
Object type: engraving
Maker: Schotto, P. Gaspare
Place made: Netherlands, North Holland, Amsterdam
Date made: 1668
Materials: ink; laid paper; mounting
Measurements: 12 3/4 in x 15 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. The progress of a comet through this area of the sky is demarcated, with the dates of each observed position noted (8 December through January). The comet passes through Cetus, the Whale. Below the image is a list of observations in Latin. Entitled "Figura motus quotidiam Cometae observati Neostadii ad. Cocharum ad Communie Casp. Schotti"; plate no. 30. From "Theatrum Cometicum", a 1668 text about comet sightings throughout history and their meanings. Schott, the communicator of this information, was known to be draughtsman for some of his own publications, and it is known that the "communicators" contributing to Theatrum Cometicum sent their own plates, so this image may be after Schott's own hand.
AF-AX-1065