Astronomical Compendium, 16th century (9432b4)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
16th century
This 16th-century German astronomical compendium is constructed of gilt and silvered brass, measuring 90 x 90 mm when closed. The instrument features a box-like design with three primary compartments containing various horary and astronomical functions.
Components include a stereographically projected astrolabe, a lunar calendar, a compass, a sundial, a time-calculating table, and a horary quadrant with a shadow square. The compendium is decorated with fine engraving, including figural representations, wind-rose motifs, cherub heads, and botanical forms. It features inscriptions in German and Latin, with planetary governors of the hours and zodiac scales. Formerly in the Medici collections, the instrument was documented in the 1595 wardrobe inventory of Grand Duke Ferdinand I.
Its design and specific numeral punch styles suggest a relationship with other contemporary portable dials in the Florence collection, particularly those sharing identical figural depictions of seated figures.
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
- 16th century
- Type
- German astronomical compendium
- Compass
- Inset central compass with cardinal points
- Material
- Gilt and silvered brass
- Signature
- Unsigned
- Dimensions
- 90 x 90 mm
- Provenance
- Medici collections
- Place recorded
- Germany
Design
- Visible features
- • Red paint filling the ring surrounding the compass • Foldable equinoctial dial mounted on a base of two monsters • Inscriptions in German naming wind directions • Gothic numeral scales on the summer side of the equinoctial dial
- Structural Composition
- The astronomical compendium is designed as a box divided into three internal compartments, each dedicated to specific scientific functions. The exterior is crafted from gilt and silvered brass and measures 90 mm square. The instrument is highly complex, incorporating an astrolabe, lunar calendar, compass, and horary quadrant. A suspension ring is located at the apex to support the device when using the horary quadrant. The faces are densely engraved with astronomical and decorative elements. Face Ia features a conversion diagram for hours and an ecliptic ring. Between faces Ib and IIa, an equinoctial dial is mounted, supported by a base of two monsters exhaling leaf forms. This dial is adjustable by a brass slip ring for use between 42 and 54 degrees latitude.
- Horary and Astronomical Functions
- The instrument includes several specialized features for timekeeping and measurement. Face Ib contains a lunar volvelle for tracking the age and phase of the moon, alongside a 2 x 12 hour scale for lunar and solar time conversion. A compass is inset at Face IIa, surrounded by a ring filled with red paint and a division of 48 points. Face IIIb presents a horary quadrant with a zodiac scale and a shadow square. This section features an engraving of a surveyor measuring a solar altitude. Below this, a table provides planetary governors for the hours of the day and night. The instrument includes inscriptions in both German and Latin.
- Provenance and Workshop Attribution
- The compendium was documented in the 1595 inventory of the wardrobe of Grand Duke Ferdinand I de' Medici. Historical analysis identifies significant similarities between this piece and an inventory-registered polyhedral dial in the same collection. Additionally, the numeral punches, specifically the style of the numbers 5, 2, and 1, indicate that these instruments may have originated from the same workshop.
Identification
- Reference
- 2478
- Inventory Number
- 2478
- 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 maker is currently unidentified, though it is linked to a workshop producing similar polyhedral dials
- Research required: The attribution to a specific workshop is based on stylistic and punch-mark comparison