Bilder Athanasius Kircher (1602–1680) – Mount Etna Erupting – Sicily – Etching (1664)

Beskrivning

"Typus Montis Aetnae ab Authore Observati Ao 1637." This seventeenth-century etching captures a dramatic eruption of Mount Etna as observed by the artist during his travels to Sicily in 1637. The composition depicts the volcano in violent activity, with thick plumes of smoke and ash rising from multiple craters while volcanic debris is ejected into the atmosphere. In the foreground, the surrounding landscape features sparse vegetation and small architectural structures, emphasizing the immense scale of the geological event. This plate was published in Amsterdam as part of Kircher's monumental scientific work, Mundus Subterraneus, which sought to explain the internal physical structure of the Earth through a combination of empirical observation and theological theory.

Athanasius Kircher was a German Jesuit scholar and one of the most prolific polymaths of the Baroque era, often referred to as the last man who knew everything. His interests spanned a vast array of fields, including oriental studies, geology, medicine, and music theory. Kircher's geological work was pioneered by his personal explorations of volcanic sites like Etna and Vesuvius, where he famously had himself lowered into a crater to witness its activity firsthand. His publications were renowned for their elaborate and high-quality engravings, which played a crucial role in disseminating scientific and geographical knowledge throughout seventeenth-century Europe.

Artist or Maker: Athanasius Kircher.

Dimensions: Approximately 40 cm x 44 cm.

Medium: Etching.

Date: 1664.

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall, repaired tear to the right margin. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.