Type: instrument
Inv. No. 44865
Source: MHS
Miniato Pitti, an Italian Olivetan monk, was a mathematician and cosmographer, who was involved with Cosimo I de’ Medici’s ambitious project for a cosmographical room in the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Pitti made this wooden instrument himself. It is an example of the practice of astronomical craft by a man of distinguished mathematical and social status. The side on display carries a Regiomontanus dial – something of a favourite among cosmographers, because it illustrates the relationships between time, date, latitude and solar altitude
Previous: Astrolabe (cosmographical mirror) and universal altitude sundial by Gillis Coignet
Next: Astronomer’s rings by Gualterus Arsenius