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Draco and Ursa Minor, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )
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Draco and Ursa Minor, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue )
7340872 Draco and Ursa Minor, c.1825 (card, paper, tissue ) by Hall, Sydney (fl.1826); 20.3x14 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Sidney Hall
Plate 1. A set of thirty-two constellation cards entitled Urania's Mirror, with a chart of the heavens for the latitude of London (by Jehoshaphat Aspin), all contained within a box depicting Urania, the personification of Astronomy. They were sold as an attractive but educational item, presumably to be used within a domestic setting and reflecting the rising taste for improving pastimes in the later 18th and early 19th century. The set was often accompanied by a copy of Aspin's Familiar Treatise on Astronomy (1825), written especially for the purpose.
The cards are hand coloured and show the stars and traditional imagery for the major constellations. The cards give compass directions, the names of the constellations and the most important stars. They feature eighty constellations and two sub-constellations, some of which are no longer recognised. The artwork and choice of constellations is inspired by Alexander Jamieson's Celestial Atlas (1822).); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38409886
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
Bear Bears Black Bear Celestial Map Constellation Constellations Dragon Fantastic Animal Fantastic Animals Fantastic Creature Fantastic Creatures Mythical Animal Mythical Beast Mythical Creature Mythical Creatures Mytholoy Sky Chart Star Star Chart Star Map Stars Symbole Symbolic Imagery Symbolical Representation Symbology Symbols
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning print captures a piece of astronomical history with Draco and Ursa Minor, dating back to around 1825. Created by Sidney Hall as part of the 'Urania's Mirror' constellation cards series, this artwork is not only visually captivating but also educational in nature. The set of thirty-two cards, contained within a box depicting Urania, the personification of Astronomy, was designed for domestic use to promote learning and appreciation for the stars.
Hand colored and featuring traditional imagery for major constellations, these cards provide compass directions and names of important stars. Inspired by Alexander Jamieson's 'Celestial Atlas', they showcase eighty constellations including Draco and Ursa Minor. This particular card showcases intricate details that highlight the beauty of these celestial bodies.
As astronomy gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries as an improving pastime, sets like 'Urania's Mirror' became sought after for both their aesthetic appeal and educational value. Accompanied by Aspin's 'Familiar Treatise on Astronomy', these cards served as a tool for learning about the night sky.
Now housed at the National Maritime Museum in London, this print preserves a piece of scientific history while also serving as a reminder of humanity's enduring fascination with the mysteries of space.
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