Old Star Map of Bootes by Johann Bayer, 1603 – Celestial Constellation Chart
The “Old Star Map of Bootes” is an exquisite piece of celestial cartography first published in 1603 by the renowned German astronomer Johann Bayer. This hand-coloured old star chart is not only a fine example of Bayer’s meticulous artwork but also a vivid representation of the Constellation Bootes, part of his monumental work, Uranometria. The map is embellished with stars heightened in gold, and features inscriptions in the blank margins by an early owner, naming the neighboring constellations.
What is being offered here is an exceptionally high-quality fine art print of “Old Star Map of Bootes,” expertly restored and prepared by The Unique Maps Co. Each print is crafted with the utmost care, printed on gorgeously thick archival matte paper to ensure it won’t fade or wrinkle for decades. Additionally, you have options for personalisation and customisation to make this art print truly unique.
Johann Bayer was an influential figure in the world of astronomy. His work, Uranometria, was the forerunner of all star atlases and contained 51 star charts, including 48 Ptolemaic constellations. The precision with which Bayer engraved each plate allowed for accurate readings of star positions to fractions of a degree, a remarkable feat for its time. Moreover, Bayer introduced a new system of stellar nomenclature, assigning Greek letters to the brighter stars, which remains in use today.
This specific artwork is notable not only for its detailed star positioning but also for its rich historical context. The map of Bootes includes visual storytelling seen through its intricate designs and the illustrious mythological stories surrounding the constellation itself. According to various myths, Bootes could represent a ploughman, a grape grower named Icarius, Arcas, son of Zeus, and even Atlas. Each legend adds layers of depth and intrigue to this celestial chart, making it a conversation piece and a valuable addition to any collection.
The use of gold to highlight the stars and the hand-coloured techniques employed by Bayer elevate this print to a true work of art. Its historical and aesthetic value make it an attractive option for astronomy enthusiasts, history buffs, and art connoisseurs alike. The fine artistry combined with the profound mythological stories guarantees that this piece will captivate anyone who gazes upon it.
This beautiful star map would make an exceptional gift for any occasion, whether it’s Christmas, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, a housewarming, or a work-leaving present. It stands as a testament to the timeless beauty and scientific accomplishment of Johann Bayer’s work, sure to be cherished for many years to come.
If you’re not sure what size to order, or you’re looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.
You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.
You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.
I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn’t available online, please get in touch.
This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
