Polar Projection World Map and Celestial Zodiac Chart by Cellarius, 1660

Step into the golden age of celestial cartography with Andreas Cellarius’ masterwork, "Typus Aspectuum Oppositionum Et Coniunctionum Etz In Planetis." Crafted in 1660 and later featured in the esteemed 1708 Valk & Schenk edition of the Harmonia Macrocosmica, this map elegantly fuses the realms of astronomy and astrology, offering a rare glimpse into the intellectual and artistic ambitions of the 17th century. The map’s original Latin title signals its thematic depth: a study of planetary aspects, oppositions, and conjunctions, beautifully illustrated through the interplay of zodiacal symbols and the mapped heavens.

Cellarius, a luminary among early modern cosmographers, was renowned for his ability to translate the mysteries of the cosmos into breathtaking visual form. This chart, engraved by Joannes van Loon, exemplifies his genius, placing a meticulously detailed polar projection of the northern hemisphere at its heart. Here, geography and mythology entwine, with the map’s central focus surrounded by a circular band of zodiac signs—each interconnected by delicate lines that trace the relationships between the celestial bodies and the four classical humors. This synthesis of science and symbolism captures the era’s enduring fascination with the harmony of the universe.

The map’s artistry is as compelling as its content. Radiant cherubim hover in the ether beyond the zodiac ring, their presence evoking the celestial guardianship that was so integral to early modern cosmology. The central map itself is a marvel of detail and period imagination, depicting California as a mysterious island with a rounded northern coastline—a cartographic curiosity that captivated explorers and mapmakers alike. Notably, this edition omits the legendary Strait of Anian, reflecting the evolving geographic knowledge of the time.

Geopolitically, the map offers a subtle commentary on contemporary European interests. New England and Bermuda are prominently labelled, while references to New France and New Netherlands are conspicuously absent. The map also features the enigmatic N.o Albion north of California, alongside two major rivers in western North America, capturing both the known and the speculative geographies of the era. Florida, Greenland, and portions of Europe and Asia are also visible, all rendered with the precision and artistry that define Cellarius’ legacy.

Beyond its immediate cartographic intrigue, this map stands as a testament to the profound importance of astrology in the late 17th century. The intricate network of lines linking the zodiac signs, the explicit references to the four humors, and the harmonious design all speak to a worldview in which science, art, and mysticism were inextricably linked. For the discerning collector, Cellarius’ celestial chart is not merely a map, but a window into the philosophical and artistic currents that shaped an era.

Countries and regions on this map

• North America (with California as an island, New England, Florida, N.o Albion)
• Bermuda
• Europe (parts visible in the northern hemisphere projection)
• Asia (northern parts visible)
• Greenland
• Arctic regions (central in the polar projection)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Central polar projection map of the northern hemisphere
• California depicted as an island with a rounded northern coastline
• Two rivers in western North America flowing southwest (one is the Rio del Norte, unnamed; the other is R. del nova)
• Large landmass labelled N.o Albion north of California
• Bermuda and New England labelled
• Florida labelled
• Circular band of zodiac symbols surrounding the map
• Network of lines connecting zodiac signs, illustrating planetary aspects
• Four humors (melancholia, cholicus, etc.) indicated in relation to the zodiac
• Decorative cherubim (winged angels) in the outer ether beyond the zodiac ring
• Absence of New France and New Netherlands
• No reference to Anian (removed in this edition)
• Detailed engravings and artistic embellishments typical of Cellarius’ work

Historical and design context

• Crafted in 1660 by Andreas Cellarius, later featured in the 1708 Valk & Schenk edition
• Engraved by Joannes van Loon
• Thematic celestial chart combining astronomy and astrology
• Depicts planetary aspects and astrological relationships, focusing on the zodiac and their connections to the four humors
• Features a polar projection map of the northern hemisphere at the center, surrounded by a circular band of zodiac signs
• Reflects the continued importance of astrology in the late 17th century, blending scientific and mystical worldviews
• Map includes detailed northern hemisphere geography, with notable omissions and inclusions reflecting contemporary European political interests
• Artistic context: beautifully engraved, with a larger central map allowing for more geographic detail than similar charts by Cellarius

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. 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.

This artwork is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The work is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present an art print without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas art and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie mappe antiche sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le mappe antiche su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe tradizionalmente incorniciate. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.