Astrolabe by Jean Fusoris
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1400
This brass astrolabe is attributed to the Paris workshop of Jean Fusoris (c.1365-1436), one of the earliest known European astrolabe makers. Its construction comprises a two-piece soldered mater and limb, the latter bearing scales for equal hours and later miscellaneous inscriptions.
The rete is of the full indicator-line type, featuring 21 stars with flamant pointers and zodiacal labels. The back includes scales for degrees, zodiacal signs, the calendar, unequal hours, and a shadow square. Five plates are provided with latitudes ranging from 42° to 56°. Acquired by the University of Oxford via Lewis Evans in 1924, this item is noted for its shared design characteristics with other astrolabes from the Fusoris workshop, such as the T-shaped strapwork within the ecliptic and the positioning of specific star pointers.
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
- ca. 1400
- Type
- Latin-inscribed astrolabe
- Maker
- Jean Fusoris
- Material
- Brass
- Provenance
- Purchased from H. Weishaupt
- Rete stars
- 21
- Acquisition
- Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker / attribution
- Jean Fusoris
- Place of manufacture
- Paris
Design
- Visible features
- • Omega-type shackle • Counter-changed alidade • Flamant-style star pointers • T-shaped strapwork within ecliptic
- Scales and Inscriptions
- The limb of the instrument features an equal hours scale. A later inscription is found along the edge of the instrument, consisting of miscellaneous marks aligned with months on the calendar found on the back. The back of the astrolabe contains five distinct scales: degree, zodiacal signs, calendar, unequal hours, and a shadow square. These scales are arranged in circular or quadrant layouts to facilitate astronomical measurements.
- Provenance and Attribution
- This instrument is attributed to the Paris workshop of Jean Fusoris, which operated from the 1390s until 1415. The attribution is based on shared characteristics with other identified works from this workshop, including the specific design of the rete and the positioning of certain star pointers. The object was presented to the collection by Lewis Evans in 1924. Provenance records indicate that Evans acquired the astrolabe from H. Weishaupt, a dealer based in Paris.
- Structural Design and Components
- The astrolabe is constructed from brass and consists of a two-piece soldered mater and limb. The throne is a simple design attached to an integrated base, supporting an omega-type shackle and a round-section ring. The instrument employs a pin and wedge to secure the rete in place, and it is provided with a double-ended, counter-changed alidade. The rete is of the full indicator-line type and features 21 stars marked with flamant-style pointers. The zodiacal signs are inscribed on the rete in Latin, and the ecliptic contains distinctive T-shaped strapwork. Five plates are included with the object, accommodating latitudes from 42° to 56°.
Identification
- Reference
- 49636
- Inventory number
- 49636
- 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: Incorrect positioning of the star pointer for cornu arietis
- Research required: Later inscriptions on the limb edge