Lot 1025

Bevis, Rare - Constellation or Star Chart of Eagle, Dolphin, Arrow

Previous image preload Next image preload

Bevis, Rare - Constellation or Star Chart of Eagle, Dolphin, Arrow

Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000

Starting Bid: $350

(0 Bids)

by Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
June 20, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
115 Hampsted Lane
Franklin, TN, US 37069

This rare constellation chart is from John Bevis's Uranographia; or the Celestial Atlas. It was published between 1747 and 1786 in London by John Neale.

This engraving is from Bevis's "unpublished" star atlas. Bevis began production of the atlas in 1747 with the intent to produce a large atlas. He had found 5 subscribers, and sold 30 copies, but his publisher, John Neale, went bankrupt in 1750 where the plates were pulled. His executor, John Horsfall, received the plates upon Bevis's death in 1771. At Horsfall's death in 1785, his estate had 6 copies of the work with 51 star charts included. This along with some unnumbered amount of loose engravings entered the market in 1786. The charts were all produced in Bevis's lifetime by his hand, but the sale of his work was predominantly performed after his passing. It is believed about 21 complete sets were done. (Kilburn, Kevin; Jay M. Pasachoff; and Owen Gingerich, "The Forgotten Star Atlas: John Bevis's Uranographia Brittanica." In: Journal of the History of Astronomy 34 (2003), pp.125-144)

Bevis's work included 600 more stars than the last star atlas of Flamsteed. Bevis based his work upon Bayer's Uranometria. His work included more stars and accurate positions to that of Bayer's. He included nine Messier objects in his charts, five of which had never before been published.

John Bevis (1695-1771) was a British physician and amateur astronomer. He discovered the Crab Nebula and was one of two observers in Britain of Halley's Comet in 1759. HE created his own private observatory in North London in 1738. Bevis is believed to have passed from falling from his telescope.

  • Dimensions: ~ 16 1/4" by 13 1/2"
  • Literature: Uranographia; or the Celestial Atlas
  • Medium: Engraving with Professional Hand-coloring
  • Circa: 1747-1786
  • Condition: The work is in very good to excellent condition. There may be a few minor imperfections or faint fox marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipping is handled within 1 business days of completed payment. If you have specific shipping requests or address changes, please contact us before completing payment so we are aware and can adjust the invoice if necessary. Shipping is billed directly after the sale. We typically ship via USPS, FedEx, or UPS on domestic shipments and with USPS, FedEx Connect, or UPS for international shipments. We calculate based on the total package weight and destination. All shipments are insured, though to provide this some services may be required when shipping outside of the United States. We're glad to provide quotes and options of services.

The buyer is responsible for paying the customs fees, duties, import taxes, and any related charges. Customs can cause delays in arrival of your shipment, which the seller has no control over. Please consider these charges and delays when making your purchase. If you need specific wording for customs, please also contact before payment as each country has different rules and we will try to accommodate when possible.

Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 15% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $5
$100 $299 $10
$300 $699 $25
$700 + $50