Epact: Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe

Johannes Motter

Johannes Motter (or Mueter) is known primarily by the name that appears on an astronomical ring now in the Mus?es Royaux d'Art et d'Histoire in Brussels. On the basis of engraving style several other astronomical rings have been attributed to him. Recent research has revealed that a 'Joannes filius Motteren de Lovanio' matriculated at the university of Louvain on 31 August 1528, who may be the same person. The similarity of the astronomical rings to that depicted on the title-page of Peter Beausard's Annuli astronomici (Antwerp, 1553) suggests Motter may have been active around 1550.

For instruments by Johannes Motter, see:

Astronomical Ring Dial, Attributed to Johannes Motter, Louvain, Mid 16th century (Oxford, MHS)

Astronomical Ring Dial, Attributed to Johannes Motter, Flemish, circa 1550 (Firenze, IMSS)

References:

E. Zinner, Deutsche und Niederl?ndische astronomische Instrumente des 11. bis 18. Jahrhunderts (2nd ed., Munich, 1967), pp. 453-4; Koenraad Van Cleempoel, "Aspects of the Production of Scientific Instruments in Louvain between 1550 and 1600" (unpublished Ph.D., Warburg Institute, University of London, 1998).

Epact Scientific Instruments of Medieval and Renaissance Europe