The saphea projection in Europe
The European history of the universal saphea projection before its popularisation by Gemma Frisius in the 16th century was discussed by Emmanuel Poulle, “Un instrument astronomique dans l’occident latin, la saphea,” in A Giuseppe Ermini, vol. I (Spoleto, 1970) = Studi Medievali, 3rd series, X, part 1 (1969), pp. 491-510.
The Museum's collection includes two examples of these early instruments, one of which was adapted around 1600 and which closely matches the images in Zeelst and Stempel's work on the astrolabe.
Other narratives:
Related Objects:
- Inventory No. 52869, "Gothic Astrolabe with Universal Projection and Toothed Rete, c. 1400" [1957-84/175A]
- Inventory No. 14645, "Single Plate Universal Astrolabe, European, 15th Century with Late 16th Century Additions by Adriaan Zeelst" [2015-1], Zeelst, Adriaan
- Inventory No. 55945, "Set of 9 Printed Astrolabe Sheets, by Adriaan Zeelst, Liege, 1602" [2006-11], Zeelst, Adriaan