Astrolabe by Georg Hartmann, 1545
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1545
This planispheric astrolabe, crafted from gilt copper with a diameter of 145 mm, was signed by Georg Hartmann in Nuremberg in 1545. The instrument features an elaborately engraved throne decorated with floral motifs, although the suspension ring is no longer present.
It includes a central mater, three climate plates calibrated for various latitudes, and a rete displaying 27 star positions identified by name. The back of the instrument contains an extensive set of scales, including zodiacal and calendrical information, a shadow square inscribed 'VMBRA VERSA' and 'VMBRA RECTA', and a central engraving of a two-headed eagle. The alidade is fitted with reclining sights featuring both holes and notches for alignment.
The instrument represents the work of Hartmann, who was active as a scientific instrument maker in Germany during the middle of the 16th century.
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
- 1545
- Type
- Nuremberg astrolabe
- Maker
- Georg Hartmann
- Location
- Nuremberg
- Material
- Gilt copper
- Signature
- GEORGIUS HARTMAN NOREM.BERGE FACIEBAT ANNO 1545
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Georg Hartmann
Design
- Visible features
- • Floral-motifed throne • Two-headed eagle engraving on the back • Rete displaying 27 star points • Reclining sights on the alidade
- Inscriptions and Back Design
- The reverse side of the astrolabe is densely inscribed with navigational and calendrical data. The limb is divided into four quadrants of 90 parts each. It includes a circle graduated X to XXX, repeating twelve times, alongside Latin names for the months and signs of the zodiac. The central region displays hour lines and an engraving of a two-headed eagle with outstretched wings. The lower section of the back is occupied by a half shadow square, labeled 'VMBRA VERSA' and 'VMBRA RECTA' twice. Beneath this shadow square, the maker's signature is engraved, providing the attribution to Georg Hartmann and the date of manufacture. The pointer is also inscribed with 'LATI. SEPTEMTIO' and 'LATI. MERI' designations.
- Provenance and Identification
- The instrument is held by the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza in Florence under inventory number 1111. It is attributed to the Nuremberg maker Georg Hartmann, who was a known producer of scientific instruments during the middle of the 16th century. The piece is catalogued as part of the Epact collection of medieval and Renaissance instruments. The physical condition of the object includes the loss of the suspension ring, though the instrument is described as being made with significant precision. All identifying marks, including the maker's name and the completion date of 1545, are prominently displayed on the reverse of the plate.
- Structural Composition and Components
- The astrolabe is constructed from gilt copper and measures 145 mm in diameter. It comprises a mater that houses three distinct plates calibrated for various latitudes, specifically covering ranges between 39 and 54 degrees. The rete is engineered to display 27 stars, which are represented as bored points on the metal surface, each accompanied by its specific stellar name. The zodiacal circle is inscribed with Latin nomenclature for the signs. The instrument includes an alidade equipped with reclining sights that incorporate both holes and notches to facilitate accurate observation. The throne section of the device is characterized by a block design featuring floral motifs, which are engraved on both its front and reverse surfaces. The original suspension ring is noted as missing.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 1111
- 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: Latitude plates vary between source overview and detail descriptions
- Research required: Originality of missing suspension ring not verified