Astrolabe by Gillis Coignet
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1575
This gilt brass astrolabe, 182 mm in diameter, is attributed to the maker Gillis Coignet and dates to approximately 1575. The object comprises a mater with a riveted rim, an unusual throne featuring two trefoils and stylized leaves, a rete designed with a heart-shaped feature inside the ecliptic, four interchangeable plates, a rule, and an alidade.
The mater features a 24-hour scale and a 360-degree altitude scale. The four plates provide varied latitude projections, including a 'HORIZONTALE CATHOLICUM' on plate 4b. The back of the instrument includes circular scales for altitude, zodiacal positions, and a Julian calendar, alongside a double shadow scale and a double horary quadrant. The instrument is signed 'AEgidius quiniet antverp faciebat' in a cartouche on the back.
The assembly is held in the British Museum collection.
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
- Type
- Flemish astrolabe
- Maker
- Gillis Coignet
- Diameter
- 182 mm
- Location
- Antwerp
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Equinoxes
- March 11 and September 13 1/2
- Signature
- AEgidius quiniet antverp faciebat
- Place recorded
- Antwerp
- Maker / attribution
- Gillis Coignet
Design
- Visible features
- • Throne features two trefoils and stylized leaves • Signature located in a cartouche at the bottom of the back plate • Rete contains names for 24 stars • Alidade and rule decorated with foliate scroll designs
- Construction and Design
- The astrolabe is constructed of gilt brass with a diameter of 182 mm. The mater features a riveted rim bearing a 24-hour scale and a 360-degree altitude scale, with a recess beneath the throne designed to accommodate the tongues of the internal plates. The throne exhibits an unconventional design characterized by two trefoils linked by a strap, supplemented by two stylized leaves pointing upwards. The instrument includes a rete featuring a heart-shaped design within the ecliptic, calibrated with the Latin names of the zodiac. It is accompanied by four plates etched with projections for various latitudes, including specific markings for horizons, azimuths, almucantars, and twilight curves. The rule and alidade are both counterchanged, featuring foliate scroll decorations that match those found on the rear of the instrument.
- Scales and Calibrations
- The back of the astrolabe is populated with complex astronomical scales. These include a 360-degree altitude scale, a zodiacal scale with symbols and degree divisions, and a Julian calendar scale. The equinoxes are calibrated to March 11 and September 13.5. The lower section of the back plate hosts a double shadow scale labeled 'Vmbra recta' and 'Vmbra versa', while the upper section contains a double horary quadrant. The signature of Gillis Coignet is prominently featured within a cartouche situated at the base of the shadow scale, enclosed by a foliate scroll design.
- Provenance and Condition
- The instrument was acquired by the British Museum in 1895 and is formally catalogued as MLA 1895,7-23.61. The current state of the rete indicates that it has been subject to extensive repairs, which have caused the loss of certain engravings due to the soldering process. References for the object include the 1981 publication by F. A. B. Ward, which details the instrument within the broader context of the British Museum's collection of scientific antiquities. The attribution to circa 1575 is supported by stylistic comparison to other instruments by the maker and the use of the Julian calendar.
Identification
- Inventory number
- MLA 1895,7-23.61
- 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: The rete has undergone heavy repairs resulting in some lost engravings
- Research required: The exact date is not inscribed on the object and is based on comparative analysis