Astrolabe
1300-1400 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
The astrolabe represents the universe flattened. The names of 37 stars are engraved on the pierced plate on the front. The astrolabe calculated the time, the times of sunrise and sunset, the rising and setting times for stars, and the configuration of the heavens for a time in the future or past. It was a particularly useful tool in astronomy and astrology.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Brass, cast sheet, engraved |
Brief description | Astrolabe of cast sheet brass, with additional cast elements, engraved, France; 1300-1400 |
Physical description | Astrolabe of cast sheet brass, with additional cast elements, engraved |
Credit line | Williams Hearn Gift |
Object history | The astrolabe represents the universe flattened. The names of 37 stars are engraved on the pierced plate on the front. The astrolabe calculated the time, the times of sunrise and sunset, the rising and setting times for stars, and the configuration of the heavens for a time in the future or past. It was a particularly useful tool in astronomy and astrology. |
Summary | The astrolabe represents the universe flattened. The names of 37 stars are engraved on the pierced plate on the front. The astrolabe calculated the time, the times of sunrise and sunset, the rising and setting times for stars, and the configuration of the heavens for a time in the future or past. It was a particularly useful tool in astronomy and astrology. |
Collection | |
Accession number | M.128-1923 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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