The Comet Book Print - [unnamed]

The Comet Book was published anonymously in 1587 in Flanders, now Northern France. In this early period, comet sightings were seen as significant events, or even omens, and many held superstitious beliefs as to why these mysterious terrestrial bodies would appear in the skies. It was widely believed that they would cause devastating fires, sweeping winds, bloodshed, pestilence, famines, and even the death of notable societal figures, including royalty.

The book contains 12 full page illustrations of comet sightings. They depict the vivid scenes described in the original text, portraying them as swirling fireballs, cascading showers, flaming daggers, unearthly figures, and fiery wheels spinning through the night sky. Reflected in the landscapes are the earthly effects of the comets; cities ablaze, fleeing crowds, and men struck by madness.

There are only two copies of The Comet Book known to exist in the world.

Reproduced at the original size of 180mm x 240mm, printed in CMYK Risograph.