König, Franz Nikolaus

Astrognosie oder Anleitung zur Kenntniss der Sterne.  In 28 schön gezeichneten Steindruck Tafeln mit Umrissen der Sternbilder nach Flamsteed's Himmels Atlas in transparenter Manier gearbeitet [title from printed label on binding].  Bern: L. R. Walthard'schen, [1826]



Unbound as issued (9½  x 7⅜  in.; 241 x 187 mm).  Elaborately engraved dedication leaf, 3-page letterpress text on a single bifolium, 28 lithographed plates printed in white on black backgrounds, each tipped on to the verso of a deep pink card border, borders lettered in French both recto and verso; light foxing to dedication leaf and text, small paper loss to lower margin of text leaves, light wear to some borders, border missing from plate 28. Publisher's original portfolio, mock-vellum spine, marbled covers, printed oval label on green paper, ribbon ties; spine and extremities worn, small patch of marbled paper worn through on front cover, pastedowns and inner hinges renewed.

A well-preserved, attractive set of one of the scarcest nineteenth-century star atlases.  The present work is not to be found in any of the standard bibliographies in the field. König was a Bernese painter who specialized in in the production of translucent pictures.  He based this set of plates on Flamsteed's astronomical charts.  Each of the plates is printed in white on black paper, but when held against the light, the constellation figures appear as luminous lines and the stars as bright dots.  The artist's skill in his chosen speciality is evident in these delightful charts.