Giovanni Maria Cassini’s “Celestial Globe and Terrestrial Globe” represents a significant example of Roman scientific and cartographic production between the 18th and 19th centuries. This was a period in which geographical and astronomical instruments also acquired considerable decorative and collecting value. Made of wood, plaster and papier-mâché covered with engraved paper gores, these globes attest to the high standard achieved by Italian cartography of the period.
Giovanni Maria Cassini, a renowned geographer and engraver active in Rome, produced numerous terrestrial and celestial globes intended for both study and display. In this case, the celestial globe depicts the constellations according to traditional iconography, with mythological figures and zodiac signs distributed across its astronomical surface. At the same time, the terrestrial globe records the geographical knowledge of the period, updated in accordance with the latest explorations and discoveries.
Furthermore, the turned wooden structure with supports and meridian gives the ensemble an elegant and functional balance. The printed cartographic gores, carefully applied to the spherical surfaces, demonstrate remarkable technical precision, while the warm tones of the paper enhance the objects’ historical appeal.
Moreover, works of this kind were frequently found in scholars’ studies, libraries and aristocratic collections, where they combined an educational function with cultural prestige. Overall, the “Celestial Globe and Terrestrial Globe” therefore constitutes an important testament to the Roman scientific tradition, as well as a refined example of historical geographical instruments.
Description: Wood, plaster and papier-mâché covered with paper gores, Rome, 19th century. Bearing the following labels: “GLOBO CELESTE/calcolato per il corrente anno sulle/osservazioni de’ Sigg. Flamsteed/et De la Caille/ROMA presso la Calc.a Cam.le 1792/Inciso dal P. Gio. M.a Cassini C.R.S.” and “GLOBO TERRESTRE/nuovamente delineato/rettificato ed accresciuto/giusta/le più recenti scoperte/ROMA/presso la calcografia camerale/1843”. Diameter 35 cm. The collection of the Museo della Specola in Bologna includes a Celestial Globe and a Terrestrial Globe by G.M. Cassini, Rome, 1792.
Hammer Price: € 9.920,00
Auction 13 – December 2nd 2016 – Jewels – Silver – Art Objects – Glasses
