Le Cahos, ou la Formation de L’Univers

One interpretation of the creation of the universe.

This spectacular representation of the formation of the universe was designed by Claude Buy de Mornas for inclusion in the Atlas Methodique et Elementaire de Geographie et d’Histoire, published by Louis Charles Desnos around 1761.

The central image shows the moment of creation, with the planets and pictorial representations of the twelve signs of the Zodiac springing forth amid a scene of utter chaos – fire, waves, and wind. Accompanying blocks of text on either side provides historical background on the concept of chaos and creation, as well as two philosophical observations.

The exotic scene is surrounded by a decorative border that juxtaposes elements of classical scholarship. This elaborate ‘frame’ was engraved and printed from a separate copper plate – a costly and time-consuming method of production. Furthermore, it varies slightly from a more common version by including a dedicatory cartouche (somewhat faded) in the lower center.