Stanislaus Lubinietski (Stanislaw Lubiniecki) was born in 1623 (during the 30 years war) into an Unitarian Family in Poland. He learned at the academy of Rakow and later his teacher was his father and this resulted in a young man with interets and knowledge in religion, ethics, politics, law and astronomy. After he had to flee from Poland due to his religion he settled finally in 1662 in Hamburg.

From there he started an extensive correspondence throughout Europe. After the appearance of comet C/1664 W1 which he observed, he planned to compile a book which should include thoughts, observations and experiences on it. The "Theatrum Cometicum" was born. He contacted many astronomers and other scientists to send him observations and reports about the comet. The book itself consisted of three parts. The first part contained observations of C/1664 W1 and C/1665 F1. The second part dealt with historic comet sightings, while the last part was about astrological implications.

The sale of the book did not cover the cost for its production. Initially, he did not intend to include images but after suggestions from friends he decided to hire a mathematician who had to transfer the observation reports into star charts. Additionally, he sent many copies to royal houses throughout Europe but with not much success.

But also in Hamburg his life was not undisturbed. Due to his religion he had enemies who wanted him to leave. This forced him to move to Altona in 1668, but he returned to Hamburg in 1674. In 1675 he died suddenly and it was reported that he died from poison which was given to him by his housemaid on the order of the Lutherian cleric. Other studies suggest that he died of ergot poisoning.

Some links to Lubinietski and his main work are given below:

http://www.friedensblitz.de/sterne/kometenangst/Lubieniecki.html (German)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A75iWkZXIow A youtube video on Theatrum Cometicum

http://www.atlascoelestis.com/lu%20pagina%20base.htm Extensive page with all plates from Theatrum Cometicum

https://chronologiauniversalis.wordpress.com/tag/theatrum-cometicum/

I am always interested in obtaining prints from "Theatrum Cometicum". Please feel free to contact me.

This is plate 2 of the Theatrum Cometicum. This one shows not a comet as it has been claimed in several webpages or papers. It shows a phenomenom, that was observed by Lubinietski on July 16, 1665, probably a disintegrating meteor. Sizes 35 cm x 27 cm. More details on a separate page.

This is plate 11 of the Theatrum Cometicum. This one shows the appearance of comet C/1664 W1 according to observations by Hevelius. (Currently at the restorer.)

Size 19 cm x 28 cm.

This is plate 14 of the Theatrum Cometicum. This one shows the appearance of comet C/1665 F1 according to observations by Hevelius. (Currently at the restorer.)

Size 19 cm x 28 cm.

This is plate 15 of the Theatrum Cometicum. This one shows the appearance of comet C/1664 W1 according to observations by Hevelius. Unfortunately, cut at the top. (Currently at the restorer.)

Size 19 cm x 28 cm.

This is a colored version of plate 17 of the Theatrum Cometicum showing the path of the comet of 1664 (C/1664 W1). This is not the full print. The lower part is missing.

Size is 20 cm x 15 cm.

These are plates 28, 36, and 53 of the Theatrum Cometicum illustrating comet theories discussed in the book. Sizes are 21 cm x 10 cm (plate 28) and 28 cm x 16 cm.

This is a colored version of plate 43 of the Theatrum Cometicum showing the path of the comet of 1664 (C/1664 W1). The colouring was done in the last century on the original antique print from 1666-67 and 1681. Size is 28 cm x 18 cm.

This is my most valued piece. It is a coloured version of plate 52 of the Theatrum Cometicum showing the path of the comet of 1664 (C/1664 W1). Interestingly this is not the full plate. The page must have been removed from the original book and then the right hand margin was redrawn later. The hand-colouring is very beautiful with the stars coloured in gold.

This page shows the full plate in a coloured and non-coloured version. One can see that my print is the left hand side of the full print. The right hand margin with the coordinate rule was redrawn probably on the occasion of the colouring. The website www.atlascoelestis.com" is highly recommended as a rich resource on old astronomical and cometary prints!

Size is 35 cm x 29 cm.

This is a colored version of plate 66 of the Theatrum Cometicum showing the paths of several comets of the 13th-15th century. The colouring was done in the last century on the original antique print from 1666-67 and 1681. Size is 28 cm x 18 cm.

This is a colored version of plate 74 of the Theatrum Cometicum showing the paths of several comets of the 16th century. The colouring was done in the last century on the original antique print from 1666-67 and 1681. Size is 28 cm x 18 cm.