Astrolabe Catalogue

 
astrolabe, inventory number 35082 from Paris (?), ca. 1600
thumbnail for astrolabe (front), inventory number 35082 from Paris (?), ca. 1600
thumbnail for astrolabe (back), inventory number 35082 from Paris (?), ca. 1600
thumbnail for astrolabe (rete front), inventory number 35082 from Paris (?), ca. 1600
Dateca. 1600
MakerPhilippe Danfrie (?)
PlaceParis (?)
MaterialBrass
Inventory no.35082
AcquisitionPresented by Lewis Evans in 1924

The unusual style and decoration of the rete of this astrolabe is closely comparable to that of inventory no. 34268, hence the attribution of this unsigned instrument to the same maker, Philippe Danfrie, of Paris.

As on Danfrie's printed paper astrolabe, extensive use is made of shading to suggest a three-dimensional effect, both on the strapwork and on the star pointers. A trompe l’oeil effect of interwoven lattice is achieved. In this respect the workmanship on the rete resembles that found on astrolabes from the Louvain (Arsenius) workshops.

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Throne, Ring and Shackle

The throne is of the simple, engraved type made of brass attached with integrated base made of brass and has a simple, round cross-section ring made of brass and omega type shackle made of brass . More information

Mater

The mater and limb are of one-piece construction. The limb is an extension of the single plate that forms the body of the instrument. Scales on the limb: equal hours scale; degree scale. More information

Back

The back contains 6 scales of the following types: Degree; Zodiacal signs; Calendar; Shadow square; Windrose. The back is inscribed: with a direction marked as Midy (South). with a direction marked as Occident (West). with a direction marked as Septentrion (North). with a direction marked as Orient (East). More information

Rete, Nut & Bolt

The rete contains 41 stars. The zodiac on the rete is labelled: Aries ♈ , Taurus ♉ , Gemini ♊ , Cancer ♋ , Leo ♌ , Virgo ♍ , Libra ♎ , Scorpius ♏ , Sagitarius ♐ , Capricornus ♑ , Aquarius ♒ , Pisces ♓.

The rete contains 1 scale of the following type: Ecliptic.
The rete is attached using a nut & bolt. The pin is probably a replacement, and perhaps also the nut. More information

Rules & Alidades

Type Details
PointerSingle-ended, counter-changed. Central disc is marked with 64 small hashmarks along perimeter.
RuleSingle-ended, counter-changed.
RuleSingle-ended, counter-changed.
RuleDouble-ended, counter-changed.
AlidadeDouble-ended, counter-changed.
More information

 

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