Hemelkaart met de zuidelijke sterrenbeelden 1660 - 1708

This anonymous celestial chart, titled "Hemelkaart met de zuidelijke sterrenbeelden" (Star Chart with the Southern Constellations), depicts the southern hemisphere. Created between 1660 and 1708, the chart showcases the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere as they would have been seen from the Earth at the time. The chart features a circular globe of the sky with a grid of lines representing celestial coordinates and a detailed depiction of the constellations with the stars depicted by dots of varying sizes. The globe is surrounded by figures and scenes that relate to the celestial sphere. This print from the Rijksmuseum exemplifies the astronomical knowledge and artistic prowess of the 17th century, capturing the fascination with the celestial realm.