Astronomical Clock, circa 1575
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1575
This astronomical clock is constructed from gilt brass, measuring 214 x 151 x 323 mm. It is unsigned and dated to approximately 1575, with a German origin. The clock is characterized by a richly decorated case and a pierced gilt brass cupola surmounted by an armillary sphere, which features a central earth, graduated rings for constellations and winds, and a celestial meridian with an hour circle.
The main face contains a mechanical astrolabe with a sidereal-rotating rete and pointers for the sun and moon, including a dragon-shaped pointer for the lunar nodes. The plate is reversible, calibrated for latitudes of 48 degrees and 40 degrees. Additional circles on the side faces facilitate the chime functions. A small compass is integrated into the base. The abbreviation 'CR' is inscribed on the back of the astrolabe quadrant, though its attribution to a specific maker remains speculative.
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
- circa 1575
- Type
- German astronomical clock
- Origin
- German
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Dimensions
- 214 x 151 x 323 mm
- Inscriptions
- CR
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Holding Institution
- Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza, Firenze
- Latitude Calibrations
- 48 degrees and 40 degrees
Design
- Visible features
- • Pierced gilt brass cupola with armillary sphere • Dragon-shaped pointer for the lunar nodes • Reversible astrolabe plate for two latitudes • Integrated small compass in the base
- Case and External Features
- The astronomical clock is housed in a gilt brass case that is extensively decorated and ornamented throughout its surfaces. The structure is capped by a pierced gilt brass cupola, which serves as a mount for a functional, manually adjustable armillary sphere. This sphere features a representation of the earth at its center, surrounded by rings that are graduated and marked with the names of winds and various constellations. In addition to the celestial display at the top, the base of the clock contains a small, integrated compass. The side faces of the clock are equipped with circular dials that perform functions related to the internal chime mechanism.
- Signatures and Attribution
- The clock is unsigned in the traditional sense, though the letters 'CR' are inscribed twice on the reverse of the quadrant containing the astrolabe. This inscription has led to speculation regarding the maker's identity, with some suggesting it may refer to Cristofor Crofler, a maker documented as having created a clock for Maria Cristina di Lorena. However, historical records regarding this attribution are inconclusive. The theory is not supported by substantial evidence and remains unconfirmed. As a result, the identity of the specific instrument maker remains an open question within the study of this object.
- Astronomical Display and Astrolabe
- The primary face of the clock is dominated by a large circular plate which functions as a mechanical astrolabe. This component incorporates a rete capable of rotating in a sidereal day, fitted with specific pointers designed to track the sun and the moon. A pointer shaped like a dragon indicates the lunar nodes. The astrolabe plate is designed to be reversible, allowing for use in different geographical locations. One side is calibrated for a latitude of 48 degrees, corresponding to regions such as Bavaria or Vienna, while the reverse is calibrated for a latitude of 40 degrees, corresponding to the Madrid area. An hour circle is positioned externally and is numbered twice from I to XII, completing the functional display.
Identification
- 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: Attribution to Cristofor Crofler is speculative and lacks strong evidence
- Research required: The precise maker remains unidentified despite the 'CR' inscription