Abstract

MORENO CORRAL, Marco Arturo  and  SUAREZ RIVERA, Manuel. An Unpublished Engraving from New Spain. The 1769 Transit of Venus and the Scientific Instruments of Felipe Zúñiga Ontiveros. Bibliographica [online]. 2022, vol.5, n.1, pp.129-158.  Epub Nov 29, 2024. ISSN 2594-178X.  https://doi.org/10.22201/iib.2594178xe.2022.1.285.

This article delves on an unpublished engraving that depicts the transit of Venus around the Sun in 1769. The image seems to have been for Felipe Zúñiga Ontiveros’ private use, and it represents an excellent opportunity to appreciate astronomical practices in New Spain during the 18th century. Likewise, the article makes a brief analysis of the scientific instruments shown in the picture, and it also provides an interdisciplinary context that allows the understanding of this engraving’s importance, as well as that of the astronomical instruments captured. As this article represents the first publication of this engraving since the time of its manufacture, the results of this research can be deemed as contributions to the fields of Art History, Book History, and the History of Science.

Keywords : Transit of Venus; astronomy; Felipe Zúñiga Ontiveros; New Spain; engraving; 18^th Century.

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