Pair Of Cards 17th Century Engravings Watercolor Hondius Zodiac Astronomy Baroque Planet Mythology

Pair of 17th-century watercolor copper engravings by Henrick HONDIUS, a 17th-century Dutch engraver who belonged to the Hague guild.
One depicts the Southern celestial hemisphere with fantastic animals: winged horses, unicorns, sea monsters, signs of the Zodiac (Capricorn, Sagittarius, Taurus) and a ship symbolizing the voyage.
They are surrounded by astronomers and scientists wielding scientific instruments, puttis, or cherubs, and monstrous figures hold cartouches indicating the object of the scene being depicted.
The second engraving depicts the Boreal (Northern) celestial hemisphere, again with signs of the zodiac (Cancer, Lion, Scorpion, Gemini), fantastic or exotic animals and characters: giraffe, sea serpent, bear, birds, wolf, centaur, surrounded at the bottom of the engraving, on either side, by its scholars, and astronomers using scientific instruments of the time.
The Latin cartouches are held by cherubs.
These two copper engravings with the clearly visible bowl are both dated 1661 at the bottom and signed with their author's name: Henricus HONDIUS.
It's very rare to find the pair.
It's worth taking the time to observe all the details, which are a testament to Baroque art during the Dutch Golden Age and to scientific instruments in the 17th.
The watercolor parts are very fresh, with lovely colors that give depth and life to these sophisticatedly composed scenes.
Very fine condition considering their age, just a few very light creases that are not serious.
They are "in their juice", as I bought them, presented in gilded molded wooden frames.
They are protected by glass in front and strong cardboard on the back.
Size with frames: 62 cm x 52 cm.
Size of the watercolor part without margins: 47 cm x 40 cm.
Price of shipping in France by registered colissimo with insurance and excellent packaging: 40 €.
Contact me for the price of shipping in Europe or worldwide.