1821 Scorpio
By: R. Phillips & Co.
Date: 1821 (circa)
Dimensions: 6.75 x 6.25 inches (15.9 cm x 17.1 cm)
This authentic antique engraving depicts the constellation Scorpio (aka Scorpius), a constellation which has intrigued man since he first raised his eyes to the heavens. Scorpio is distinctive not only for its scorpion shape, but also for being one of the brightest constellations in the sky.
In the Northern Hemisphere, Scorpius lies close to the southern horizon while in the Southern it is high in the sky near the center of the Milky Way. The constellation has many bright stars, thus making it easy to distinguish. In ancient Greek mythology, Scorpius and Orion are often intertwined. According to one myth, Orion threatened that he would kill every living animal on earth. To stop him, Artemis and her mother Leto dispatched a scorpion to kill Orion, and Zeus put the scorpion in the heavens after he won the battle.
Another myth tells how Artemis’ twin brother Apollo grew angry and sent a scorpion to attack Orion because he claimed to be a better hunter than Artemis. Following the battle Zeus put both Orion and Scorpius in the sky, but they are visible at different times of the year.
Condition: This hand colored engraving is in A condition. Folded as published with very slight toning at the outer edges.
Inventory #10796
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