Libra astronomica
05.02.2026 10:00UTC +00:00
Classic
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CHRISTIE'S| Auctioneer | CHRISTIE'S |
|---|---|
| Event location | United Kingdom, London |
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ID 1540348
Lot 100 | Libra astronomica
Estimate value
7000USD $ 7 000 – 9 000
Very rare first edition of Grassi’s attack on Galileo’s theory of comets, which had been expressed under his disciple Mario Guiducci's name in his Discorso of 1619. The work provoked the “controversy of the comets” and a wealth of published attacks between the scientists, culminating in Galileo's ll Saggiatore. Carli-Favaro 17 (81); Cinti 139 (64); Riccardi I, 628 (“Raro”).
Quarto (192 × 137mm). Engraved plate of one of the 1618 comets on title-page, woodcuts throughout (spotting, toned). Modern vellum (bowed).
Libra astronomica ac philosophica qua Galilaei Galilaei opiniones de cometis a Mario Guiducio in Florentina Academia expositae atqua in lucem nuper editae examinantur a Lothario Sarsio Sigensano.
| Address of auction |
CHRISTIE'S 8 King Street, St. James's SW1Y 6QT London United Kingdom | |
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| Phone | +44 (0)20 7839 9060 | |
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