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Date: |
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Description: | Despite the fact that this astrolabe has come to us without date or signature, it is possible to associate it with a group of astrolabes made in Lyon around 1550. The fluid strapwork of the rete is reminiscent of a rete pattern by Jean Naze found on an astrolabe dated 1553. The inclusion of star magnitudes and astrological symbols behind the star name and the exclusive use of stamps to mark the astrolabe are also traits in line with other instruments from Lyon. Star positions are indicated with flame-shaped pointers that seem to spring from the middle of the strap (for similar decorative detail, see AST0571, which is also a Lyon astrolabe). The high quality implies that whoever made this instrument was a trained and skilled instrument maker. His identity cannot yet be ascertained, but it could well have been a clockmaker who also made other instruments on the side, as was the common practice in Lyon.
The throne is in one piece with the limb. The base of the throne has a simple, curved shape and is decorated with vertical lines. Suspension is by a swivel eye and round sectioned ring that is attached to a shackle. The limb is riveted to the mater and there are four plates serving the following latitudes: 37�/39�, 41�/43�, 45�/47� and 49�/51�. The rete's straps are arranged symmetrically against an imaginative central vertical axis. This well-balanced tracery is unusual as it includes the complete circle of the equator and Tropic of Capricorn. On the back of the instrument is a combined degree and zodiac scale and a calendar scale. There is also a coat of arms above the centre, comprising a shield topped by a crown, and a shadow square below.
Negative numbers B531, B532, B6190a
caption: Astrolabe: mounted obverse
caption: Astrolabe: mounted reverse
caption: Astrolabe: rete | Publisher: | "http://collections.rmg.co.uk/" | Rights holder: | "Royal Museums Greenwich" | Subjects: | Throne astrolabes Plate Shadow square Rete Limb Mater | Source: | Royal Museums Greenwich | Identifier: | http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections... | Go to resource |
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