Cometarium

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

Cometarium

Cometarium.. Cometarium by W. Jones, a mechanical device designed to illustrate the motion of a comet about the Sun. Copperplate engraving by Wilson Lowry after a drawing by J. Farey from Abraham Rees Cyclopedia or Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences and Literature, Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown, London, 1820

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 14201865

© Florilegius / Mary Evans

Abrahamrees Astronomy Comet Cyclopedia Motion Orbit Sciencesandliterature Universaldictionaryofarts

EDITORS COMMENTS
Cometarium: A Mechanical Marvel of 19th Century Astronomy This exquisite copperplate engraving, titled "Cometarium," is a testament to the fascination and wonder that the celestial bodies, particularly comets, held for scientists and the public during the 19th century. Designed by W. Jones, this intricate mechanical device was created to illustrate the complex motion of a comet in its orbit around the Sun. The engraving, skillfully executed by Wilson Lowry after a drawing by J. Farey, is a visual representation of the Cometarium as it appeared in Abraham Rees's Cyclopedia or Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences and Literature, published by Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown in London in 1820. The Cometarium is a magnificent example of the scientific ingenuity and artistic craftsmanship of the time. The device features an intricate network of gears and mechanisms that replicate the elliptical path of a comet as it approaches and recedes from the Sun. The engraving captures the delicate balance of forces at play, with the Sun at the center, the comet in its orbit, and the tail of the comet extending outwards, a beautiful and dynamic display of celestial motion. The Cometarium was an essential tool for astronomers and educators, providing a tangible and interactive way to understand the intricacies of cometary motion. It is a reminder of a time when scientific discoveries were made through a combination of observation, experimentation, and artistic representation, and when the wonders of the universe were a source of endless fascination and inspiration. This engraving is not only a historical artifact but also a work of art in its own right, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the cosmos and the human ingenuity that sought to understand it.

MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.