An Accurate Representation of the Meteor which was seen on Aug. 18th 1783
Published by Henry Robinson, 1783
- Softcover
- Map
- Used
Seller: Barry Lawrence Ruderman, La Jolla, CA, U.S.A.Barry Lawrence Ruderman
AbeBooks seller since August 31, 2022
Condition: Used - Very good
£ 1,948.76
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
The "Draco volans or Flying Dragon."This mezzotint captures a breathtaking night scene of the meteor observed at Winthorpe on August 18, 1783. The artwork, skillfully created using a combination of mezzotint and etching. Scant original hand-color. Mezzotint with etching on paper. Flattened horizontal crease through the image. Lined with thin archival tissue. Small repaired tear with minor retouching. Overall VG to VG+ The "Draco volans or Flying Dragon."This mezzotint captures a breathtaking night scene of the meteor observed at Winthorpe on August 18, 1783. The artwork, skillfully created using a combination of mezzotint and etching techniques, is after the work of Henry Robinson, who also published it in the same year. It vividly portrays a large flaming meteor trailed by a shower, as witnessed by an astounded onlooker amidst the ruins of a parish church.The 18th century was a period of burgeoning scientific inquiry and fascination with celestial phenomena. The observation of the Winthorpe meteor in 1783 was a significant event that captured public imagination, reflecting a growing interest in astronomy and the natural sciences.In the artwork, Henry Robinson's use of mezzotint with etching highlights the dramatic contrast between the dark night sky and the fiery brilliance of the meteor. The inclusion of a solitary observer, positioned against the backdrop of a ruined church, cottages, and trees, adds a human element to the scene, evoking a sense of awe and wonder. This juxtaposition underscores the contemporary fascination with the sublime and the powerful forces of nature.Robinson's work offers a unique window into the 18th-century mindset, where the line between science and art was often blurred. The detailed depiction of the Winthorpe meteor event and its impact on the observer and landscape provides a snapshot of historical and scientific significance.The Great Meteor of 1783The Great Meteor of 1783 was "among the brightest and most spectacular of such objects ever recorded and was responsible for some of the first detailed and generally accurate representations of such a phenomenon (Beech). It was an event of both scientific and popular interest, illuminating the night sky over a vast region. As noted in an account published in the Evening Chronicle, the meteor's brilliance was so intense that its "lustre almost equalled the sun." Such vivid descriptions underscore the meteor's impact on contemporary observers and its importance as a subject for artistic depiction. Tiberius Cavallo, a renowned natural philosopher of the time, observed the meteor from Windsor Castle, remarking on how "every object appeared very distinct; the whole face of the country being instantly illuminated." These first-hand accounts, as referenced by Richard J. Payne, highlight the meteor's significance in shaping contemporary perceptions of environmental phenomena.…
Seller Inventory # 97046
Bibliographic details
- Title
- An Accurate Representation of the Meteor which was seen on Aug. 18th 1783
- Author
- Henry Robinson
- Publisher
- Henry Robinson
- Publication year
- 1783
- Condition
- vg
- Book Type
- Map
- Binding
- No Binding
- Seller catalogs
- Antique Maps
Barry Lawrence Ruderman
La Jolla, CA, U.S.A.
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 5 to 14 business days | 3 to 6 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 10.97 | £ 12.68 |
Payment methods
Store description
Barry Lawrence Ruderman is a specialist dealer in rare and important works on paper from the 15th century to the present. Today, our focus extends from the firm’s traditional core specialty in historical cartography, now encompassing a wide range of rare books, Americana (with particular strengths in Western Americana, Texana, and the American Revolution), early photography, old master prints, and significant manuscripts. Our clients include many of the most important public and private collections active today.…
Specialty
etc., Archives, Americana, Exploration, AtlasesAssociation member
Seller's business information
Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps, Inc.
7407 La Jolla Boulevard
La Jolla, CA U.S.A. 92037
Terms of sale
Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps, Inc.
7407 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA, U.S.A. 92037
ac@raremaps.com
1.858.551.8500
California Tax ID: 33-0844350
Contact: Alex Clausen, President
Right of withdrawal
If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
Information regarding the right of withdrawal
Statutory right to withdraw
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.
The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.
Effects of withdrawal
If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to Barry Lawrence Ruderman, La Jolla, California, U.S.A., +1 858-551-8500, without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of withdrawal
The right of withdrawal does not apply to:
- The delivery of newspapers, journals or magazines with the exception of subscription contracts; and
- The supply of digital content which is not supplied on a tangible medium (e.g. on a CD or DVD) if you accepted when you placed your order that we could start to deliver it, and that you could not withdraw once delivery had started.
Shipping terms
We ship packages worldwide, using Federal Express, DHL, UPS and the US Postal Service (USPS). Orders received during before 3 p.m. Pacific Time on days when the gallery is open are typically shipped the same day. All other orders are typically shipped the next business day. When you order an item, you will receive an auto-generated confirmation email, confirming that your order has been processed by our email server. We will follow up with written confirmation that your order is in stock and has been shipped. Feel free to email or phone us if you have other questions.
While we make our best efforts to insure timely delivery of your packages, even the best courier services do not have perfect track records. Holidays and inclement weather can result in unforeseen delays. If you are purchasing an item for a gift or you otherwise have a specific deadline, please specify this information on your order form and use a shipping method that allows a safe time cushion for receipt of your order.
We have several shipping methods, depending upon the item. Maps are typically shipped either flat (encapsulated in Mylar and bound between multiple sheets of packing boards) or in custom thick core packing tubes. If you have a preference, please feel free to include this information when processing your order.
Shipping Insurance will be added to all items over $200.00. Insurance is typically billed at $0.05 per $100.00 (e.g., insurance for a $1000.00 map would be $5.00).