Bayer — Virgo Constellation c.1603 (Hand-Colored & Gilt)
Bayer — Virgo Constellation c.1603 (Hand-Colored & Gilt)
The constellation Virgo — the maiden holding sheaves of wheat — depicted in classical form with original hand-coloring and gilt star highlights. Virgo contains Spica (α Virginis), one of the brightest stars in the Northern Hemisphere sky and a foundational reference for celestial navigation. Pairs naturally with the other zodiac constellations for a zodiacal display.
About Johann Bayer (1572–1625)
Johann Bayer was a German lawyer and astronomer working in Augsburg. His Uranometria (Augsburg, 1603) was the first star atlas to cover the whole celestial sphere and introduced the "Bayer designations" — the system of labeling stars by Greek letter in order of brightness (α, β, γ...) that is still in use by professional astronomers today, four hundred years later.
About the Work
Uranometria omnium asterismorum continens schemata, nova methodo delineata, aereis laminis expressa contained 51 engraved star charts covering all 48 classical Ptolemaic constellations plus 12 new southern constellations derived from observations by Dutch navigators Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman. The atlas was reprinted in several later editions, but the original 1603 first-edition plates — especially in hand-colored and gilt condition — are the most prized by collectors.
Scarcity & Market Context
Original 1603 Bayer plates in hand-colored and gilt condition appear at auction only a few times per year across all major houses combined. Complete Uranometria atlases have sold at Christie's and Sotheby's in the $80,000–$200,000+ range when they come to market (once every few years). Individual trophy plates — Ursa Major, Orion, Leo, Virgo — command premium prices when available with original hand-coloring and gilt star highlights.
Institutional Holdings
Complete copies of the Uranometria are held by the Library of Congress, the Huntington Library, the British Library, the Bavarian State Library (Munich), and a handful of other major institutions.
Dimensions
Sheet approximately 15 × 11 inches
Frame: This piece ships unframed — the sheet or plate only. We can recommend framers in your area or ship to your preferred framer. Professional framing with archival materials typically runs $150–$400 depending on size and finish.
Shipping Terms
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Important Buyer Notice
These pieces are antique originals, ranging from approximately 100 to over 400 years old. Each piece will show varying degrees of age-appropriate condition: paper toning, foxing, edge wear, fold marks, minor restoration, light staining, and other natural signs of age are common and expected for works of this period. Condition varies from piece to piece.
It is the buyer's responsibility to confirm that the piece is in the condition they require before purchase. We are always happy to answer any questions about the state of the work, provide additional photographs of specific areas, describe any flaws or repairs in detail, or arrange a video review before you buy. Please contact us at any time with questions — we believe an informed buyer is the best customer.
All pieces are guaranteed authentic originals (not reproductions, facsimiles, or modern prints). We offer a full refund if authenticity is ever disputed by a qualified third party.