Perseus and Caput Medusae Constellations, 1825

Perseus and Caput Medusae Constellations, 1825

Astronomical chart showing Perseus holding bloody sword and the severed head of Medusa forming the constellation. Perseus carrying the head of Medusa the Gorgon. Perseus is a constellation in the northern sky, named after the Greek hero Perseus. It was one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy, and remains one of the 88 modern constellations defined by the International Astronomical Union. It ranks twenty-fourth of the 88 constellations in size. It appears prominently in the northern sky during the Northern Hemisphere's spring. Caput Medusae Medusa's head, a part of the constellation Perseus. In Greek mythology, Medusa was one of three Gorgon sisters. Medusa began life as a beautiful mortal, who bragged of being more attractive than the goddess Athena. One day, while in Athena's temple, Medusa was ravished by the sea god Neptune. In revenge, Athena turned Medusa into a Gorgon. Her long, silky hair was transformed into snakes and she was no longer able to look at the men who came to court her, as they would turn to stone if they looked into her eyes. Medusa was eventually killed by Perseus with help from Athena and Hermes. Urania's Mirror is a boxed set of 32 constellation cards first published by Samuel Leigh of the Strand, London, in or shortly before 1825. An unidentified lady, referred to by her nom-de-plume, Jehoshaphat Aspin, designed these whimsical astronomy cards. The engraver was Sidney Hall.

Album / LOC/Science Source

Model: No - Property: No
Rights questions?

3849 x 2700 px | 29.7 MB

32.6 x 22.9 cm | 12.8 x 9.0 in (300 dpi)