Celestial chart
Melchior Tavernier (1544-1641) or (1594-1665)
Paris, 1639
Engraving
WOP-187

It is unclear whether this chart was engraved by Tavernier the older (1544-1641) or Tavernier the younger (1594-1665), as both carried the title of "engraver to the king," worked in Paris, and produced maps. The older Tavernier, Flemish by birth, lived for nearly a century and was said to have died with an engraving tool in his hand. He is thought to have taught the art of engraving to his nephew, Tavernier the younger. This extremely unusual printed sheet was apparently intended to be cut out, presumably colored, folded, and attached to a handle to create a hand-held fan.