MIT MuseumObjects
Welcome to the archived version of the MIT Museum's online collections portal! This site was used to test features and content for the newly redesigned MIT Museum Collections site, which has now launched with over 106,000 objects. Please use the new MIT Museum Collections site for further research and discovery. Webmuseum.mit.edu remains online during the transition period but will not receive new updates or content.
Figura observat, Cometae prioris
Major collection: Hart Nautical
Named collection: Allan Forbes Collection
Object type: engraving
Maker: Gerritsz, G.
Place made: Netherlands, North Holland, Amsterdam
Date made: 1668
Materials: ink; laid paper; mounting
Measurements: 11 3/4 in x 14 in
Nomenclature: astronomical
Classification: whales
AF-AX-1072
Named collection: Allan Forbes Collection
Object type: engraving
Maker: Gerritsz, G.
Place made: Netherlands, North Holland, Amsterdam
Date made: 1668
Materials: ink; laid paper; mounting
Measurements: 11 3/4 in x 14 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. Entitled "Figura observat. Cometae prioris Hauniae fact. ad Communicat. Cl. viri D. Erasmi Bartholini M. D. & Regii Math. Prof. pertinens"; plate no. 31. Includes the whale, Cetus, at left. From "Theatrum Cometicum", a 1668 text about comet sightings throughout history and their meanings.
AF-AX-1072