Astrolabe by Eufrosino della Volpaia
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1525
This brass astrolabe, measuring 180 mm in diameter, was created in Florence in 1525 by Eufrosino della Volpaia. The instrument features a throne decorated with two foliate scrolls and a floral suspension apparatus.
The front of the scrolls bears the maker's signature, while the reverse is dated. The mater features an outer 24-hour scale and an inner altitude scale. The rete includes flame-shaped star pointers, with the Tropic of Capricorn circle shaped as a dragon's head and tail. Notable design features include wind names inscribed on the exterior rim and star magnitudes marked on the reverse of the rete. The instrument contains an ecliptic, a set of plates for various latitudes, and a double shadow scale on the back.
It is currently held by the British Museum.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1525
- Type
- Italian astrolabe
- Maker
- Eufrosino della Volpaia
- Diameter
- 180 mm
- Wind Names
- 12 names on the rim
- Shadow Scale
- Umbra Recta and Umbra Versa
- Place recorded
- Italy
- Maker / attribution
- Eufrosino della Volpaia
- Registration Number
- MLA 1895,9-15.1
Design
- Visible features
- • Throne consists of two foliate scrolls • Tropic of Capricorn depicted as a dragon • Flame-shaped star pointers • Wind names inscribed on exterior rim
- Construction and Design
- The instrument is constructed of brass and measures 180 mm in diameter. The rim of the mater is soldered to the backplate and features an external 24-hour scale, while the interior displays a 360-degree altitude scale. The throne is comprised of two foliate scrolls and a suspension apparatus adorned with a flower motif. The instrument's rete is notable for its flame-shaped star pointers and a Tropic of Capricorn circle shaped like a dragon's head and tail. The back of the astrolabe is highly detailed with concentric scales for altitude, zodiac signs, and an eccentric calendar scale. The internal vacant space contains a double shadow scale marked for 'UMBRA RECTA' and 'UMBRA VERSA', along with two horary quadrants for unequal hours. The instrument incorporates unique design details, such as the wind names inscribed around the outer rim and star magnitudes indicated on the reverse of the rete.
- Provenance and Condition
- The instrument was acquired by the British Museum in 1895, purchased from Guiseppe Panni. It is documented in several reference works, including R. T. Gunther's 'The Astrolabes of the World' and F. A. B. Ward's catalogue of scientific instruments in the Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities. Regarding its condition, it is noted that the rete does not correctly line up with the rim, which suggests that at least one original plate is missing from the assembly. Additionally, the washer is identified as a later addition, and the radial rule has been replaced.
- Signatures and Inscriptions
- The signature of the maker is present on the front of the foliate scrolls on the throne, reading 'EUPHROSYN<US> VULPARIA FLORENTIN<US> FACIEBAT'. The date 'ANNO D<OMI>NI M.D.XXV' is inscribed on the back of the scrolls. The instrument uses an unusual stamp for the numeral '3', appearing as if two threes were stamped over one another. The names of 24 stars are engraved on the rete, including those for the zodiacal signs and various constellations. The plates for the instrument, intended for specific latitudes of 42, 43, 45, and 48 degrees, are marked with circles for the equator, tropics, azimuths, and almucantars.
Identification
- Reference
- MLA 1895,9-15.1
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Rete does not align with the rim, suggesting a missing plate
- Research required: Radial rule is a replacement
- Research required: Washer is a later addition