Ingress of Venus during the 1769 solar transit Size:XS: 30 x 20cm 30th June 1965

30th June 1965

the senior Cotton was a keen racing driver

In the centre is a facsimile of Howard's handwriting

now wearing the crown of the newly unified Germany

Ingress of Venus during the 1769 solar transit Size:XS: 30 x 20cm 30th June 1965Sketches of the Transit of Venus at the beginning of the 1769 event. Ten figures [only nine of which were used in the eventual published plate], from the earliest showing of the planet to the appearance of the 'black drop' effect. Hirst observed using a 2 foot long reflecting telescope to x55 magnification. Eight individual pieces of paper pasted onto a single backing sheet. With pencilled instructions to the engraver. The illustration appeared as