Ancient Star Map – The Planisphere of Aratus, 1660
Price range: £29.95 through £59.95
Created by Andreas Cellarius for his celebrated celestial atlas Harmonia Macrocosmica, first published in 1660, this remarkable star map presents the universe according to the ancient Greek tradition associated with Aratus. Earth sits at the centre of the planetary paths, surrounded by a brightly coloured zodiac band and elaborate scenes of scholars studying globes and astronomical instruments.
Both decorative and intellectually fascinating, it makes a striking statement print for a study, library or contemporary interior, and a thoughtful gift for anyone interested in astronomy, classical mythology or the history of science.
Printed individually in our Cornwall workshop using archival pigment inks on textured fine art paper.
A stunning certified FINE ART PRINT on heavy textured art paper — not a poster
- Direct from the publisher — no middlemen
- Printed in-house in Cornwall
- Free UK delivery — international shipping available
- Produced to meet — and often exceed — museum-quality standards
Fine Art Map Reproductions – Museum-Quality Printing
Unlike most online offerings, our maps are produced entirely in-house, not outsourced to print-on-demand or drop-shipping services. This allows complete control over quality while offering better value. Each map begins with a high-resolution original, carefully enhanced and printed to order using archival papers and pigment inks for exceptional clarity, depth, and longevity. Every piece is personally overseen — no map leaves our workshop unless it is of a quality we would be proud to display ourselves.
Authentic Old Map Paper & Accurate Colour Reproduction
Paper choice is essential to the authenticity of our maps. We use specially sourced 190gsm paper made in the UK from pure materials and traditionally pressed with natural woollen felts. This process creates a subtle, randomly textured surface that closely resembles an original antique document. Likewise the use of premium quality ink fully saturates the paper, producing remarkable clarity, depth, and historical character. Colour fastness and sharpness will remain good for in excess of 100 years!
Buy Old Maps Online in the UK Today Trading online since 1999
The Old Map Company of Great Britain offers a vast and carefully curated collection of the very finest expertly reproduced vintage maps. Our range includes works by renowned cartographers such as John Speed and Willem Blaeu, covering Scotland, England, and beyond. Free UK courier delivery is included, with EU, USA, and worldwide shipping available at cost and calculated at checkout. If you need assistance, our team is always happy to help you choose the perfect map.
RECENT REVIEWS
Verified ownerGot there in time and loves it! Cheers David [Gift from US to UK]
Verified ownerThanks Lauren. We received it today - it's gorgeous! Thank you, Ellan
Verified ownerThank you for your prompt service. I have a gallery and framing business in South Wales. I'm so pleased it is printed in the UK
Verified ownerMy Isles of Scilly map arrived safely and I'm delighted with it!
The print arrived safely and we're delighted with it - a lovely reminder of our honeymoon 15 years ago.
Verified ownerI have just received them! I'm sure our clients will be pleased with them and there could be more projects off the back of this one where we can use more. [Interior Designers]
Verified ownerI just received my map of Ireland by Ewart today and, as usual, I am delighted by its quality. The crispness and fineness of detail is excellent and the colour reproduction surpasses my expectations. Please relay my thanks to Steve for another fine effort!
Verified ownerMany thanks, Lauren. Very pleased with the map and the service: would recommend The Old Map Company to anyone interested in Old Maps.
Verified ownerMany thanks, the map arrived safely this morning, and I’m really pleased with it. A stunning reproduction, just as I had hoped. I will keep browsing your website, and may yet be tempted by more of your items! Have a great weekend.
Verified ownerJust arrived, wonderful map! Thanks very much!
Verified ownerThe map – beautiful – arrived safely, very many thanks.
Verified ownerThank you, I have already found the map. It’s wonderfull! Good luck! Rasa
Verified ownerMy apologies for the very late reply. I wanted to reach out to thank you so much for rushing my order. My partner absolutely loved it. I am amazed with the service so that is a five-star from me. I wish you all the best.
The Planisphere of Aratus by Andreas Cellarius
Although often described as an ancient star map, this image is a seventeenth-century interpretation of much older ideas. Andreas Cellarius published it as Plate 8 of his magnificent celestial atlas Harmonia Macrocosmica in 1660.
Its Latin title translates as “The planisphere of Aratus, or the composition of the heavenly orbits according to the hypothesis of Aratus, expressed in a planar view.” Aratus of Soli was a Greek poet whose Phaenomena, written during the third century BC, described the constellations, their movement across the sky and the seasonal signs associated with them.
Cellarius transformed that ancient literary tradition into an elaborate diagram of the heavens. Earth occupies the centre, while planetary paths spread out around it. The signs of the zodiac form a broad coloured ring around the outer edge, combining astronomical ideas with figures drawn from classical mythology.
The decorative border is equally compelling. Cherubs hold the Latin title panels, while groups of scholars in the lower corners examine globes, books and astronomical instruments. These scenes emphasise that the study of the heavens depended upon observation, calculation and debate.
Seen from across a room, the balanced circular design and soft historical colouring make an impressive decorative statement. Viewed more closely, the planetary figures, inscriptions and scenes of astronomical study reward repeated attention. It is particularly well suited to a study, library, office or any interior where art, astronomy and history come together.
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