Holding Earth in Your Hands: The Pocket Globe of Gerhard and Leonhard Valk

Overview

The intricate pocket globes by Gerhard and Leonhard Valk were envisioned to be admired and for educational purposes. This particular globe, dating back to circa 1715, was made in Amsterdam by father and son Valk. The case consists of two cardboard hemispheres covered with embossed black leather with floral motifs and lines, hinged together and closed with two hooks.

The interiors feature watercolor gores representing the two-celestial hemisphere, with the main stars highlighted in gold. A celestial hemisphere can immerse the observer in a new imaginary world with the Earth at its center. This celestial sphere provides a glimpse of the cosmic realm as perceived by Johannes Hevelius in 1700.

Biography

Coming from a family of collectors, the Delalande team is active since 1978. Dominique Delalande opened Marine & Sciences in New York and participated in many major artworld events such as the Biennale des Antiquaires in 1982. The gallery participated for the first time at TEFAF Maastricht in 2013. The team always aims to reach the highest level in each of its specialties, and has organized various exhibitions on these themes, such as Time: Sundials and Hourglasses of the Past, as well as a publication on astrolabes for TEFAF Maastricht 2020. In 2015, Eric and Anna Delalande settled in the heart of the Paris and opened a second gallery early 2021.