Solar System and Zodiac Astronomical Chart by John Betts, 1855
“Solar System and Zodiac Astronomical Chart,” first published in 1855, is a captivating piece by John Betts. This artwork captures the intricate beauty of our solar system, with hand-coloured illustrations showcasing orbits around the sun and bordered by the zodiac signs. The corners are thoughtfully adorned with comparative sizes of planets and phases of the moon.
You can now own a personalised, high-quality fine art print of this enchanting astronomical chart. Meticulously restored and prepared by The Unique Maps Co., this print is produced on gorgeously thick archival matte paper, ensuring it remains vibrant and unblemished for decades.
John Betts was a renowned 19th-century cartographer and publisher, known for his detailed and aesthetic educational charts. His works are characterized by meticulous attention to detail and vibrant, hand-applied colours. This particular piece, with its detailed representation of planetary orbits and zodiac constellations, showcases his dedication to both scientific accuracy and artistic beauty.
The circular diagram at the center of the artwork elegantly displays the heliocentric model of our solar system, a revolutionary concept for its time. The inclusion of zodiac signs and comparative planet sizes not only adds to the visual appeal but also serves as an educational tool. The hand-coloured elements bring a unique vibrancy and depth to the visual experience, making it a striking addition to any space.
Residents of the Victorian era would have found this chart informative and fascinating, as it presented complex astronomical ideas in an accessible and visually engaging format. For a modern-day audience, this print serves as a beautiful homage to the historical understanding of our cosmos and an intriguing piece of décor.
This fine art print would make an ideal gift for any occasion—whether it be a birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, a housewarming, or a work leaving celebration. It’s perfect for anyone with a passion for astronomy, history, or fine art, and it’s sure to be a conversation starter in any home or office.
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 16x16in (40x40cm) 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.
