Astrolabe with Jesuit religious symbols
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1595
This 1595 brass astrolabe is attributed to Paris. The back displays altitude, zodiacal, unequal hours, and shadow square scales, and is inscribed with a prayer and the Jesuit emblem 'IHS' with a cross and pierced heart, which suggests the original owner may have been a Jesuit priest.
An early ownership inscription on the rule reads in Flemish: 'Ick toebehoore Philis de Din'. The object was presented to the History of Science Museum by Lewis Evans in 1924, having been acquired from the dealer Percy Webster.
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
- 1595
- Type
- Latin-inscribed astrolabe
- Material
- Brass
- Provenance
- Acquired from Percy Webster
- Acquisition
- Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924
- Place recorded
- Paris (?)
- Latitude coverage
- 48°0' to 51°0'
Design
- Visible features
- • The alidade features scrollwork decoration at the center and edges. • The rete is of the ecliptic type and bears 13 stars. • The back inscription includes a prayer and the IHS symbol. • The rule bears the inscription 'Ick toebehoore Philis de Din'.
- Provenance and History
- The object was donated to the History of Science Museum in 1924 by Lewis Evans, following its acquisition from his London dealer, Percy Webster. Before entering the Evans collection, the instrument was sold at auction at Puttick & Simpson's in London on 18 June 1894. The astrolabe has been studied for its association with the latitudes of Paris and Lille, the latter being a significant town in the Spanish Netherlands during the 16th century. The scholarly view is that the object was potentially manufactured in Paris for a client living in Lille, based on the geographical coverage provided by the single plate.
- Construction and Design
- The astrolabe is constructed primarily of brass and features a simple, high throne of two-piece, riveted design, attached to an integrated base. The instrument utilizes a round cross-section ring and a disc-type shackle that pivots on a pin. The mater and limb are assembled from two riveted pieces, with the limb providing scales for altitude and equal hours. The back of the instrument contains five scales, including altitude, zodiacal, unequal hours, and shadow square scales. These are arranged in concentric circles and boxes. The rete, identified as a replacement, is of the ecliptic type and features 13 stars indicated by flamant or dagger pointers, with a central nut and bolt attachment that appears original to the instrument.
- Inscriptions and Religious Symbolism
- The back of the astrolabe is marked with a devotional Latin inscription, 'SIT NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTVM IN SECVLA SECVLORVM 1595', surrounding a central emblem comprising the 'IHS' monogram, a cross, and a pierced heart. The rule is engraved with the Flemish inscription 'Ick toebehoore Philis de Din', which serves as an owner's mark. This addition is noted as being early but is not considered to be from the original owner. The astrolabe’s single plate covers the specific latitudes of Paris and Lille, reflecting a link between these two locations at the time of manufacture.
Identification
- Reference
- 45975
- Inventory Number
- 45975
- 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 is a replacement.
- Research required: The attribution to Paris is qualified as 'Paris (?)'.
- Research required: The ownership name 'Philis de Din' is possibly an abbreviation for Philippus.