Brass astrolabe by Jean Fusoris
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1400
This brass planispheric astrolabe is attributed to Jean Fusoris, Paris, dating to approximately 1400. It features an omega-type shackle, a ring with a round cross-section, and a simple-type throne decorated with single raised lines.
The mater and limb comprise two soldered pieces, with the limb scale marked for equal hours. The back of the instrument contains five circular or arc-based scales, including degrees, zodiacal signs, a calendar, unequal hours, and a central shadow square. The rete is of the indicator-line full type, displaying 21 stars with flamant pointers and zodiacal inscriptions; it is secured by a central nut and bolt. The instrument includes four plates for varying latitudes and a double-ended, counter-changed alidade featuring inverted Gothic-style tips.
Acquired in 1957 via a gift from J. A. Billmeir, it was previously recorded in the collection of Claude Fry.
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
- Place
- Paris
- Stars
- 21 stars
- Material
- Brass
- Latitudes
- 42°0' to 52°0'
- Place recorded
- Paris
- Maker / attribution
- Jean Fusoris
Design
- Visible features
- • Omega-shaped shackle • Rete contains 21 stars with flamant pointers • Double-ended counter-changed alidade • Four conspicuous dots located above the central hole on the womb
- Construction and Design
- The instrument is constructed primarily of brass and follows a traditional planispheric design. It features a simple throne with an integrated base, characterized by single raised lines on both sides, which supports a round-sectioned ring. The mater and limb are joined via soldered construction, with the limb scale calibrated for equal hours in a concentric circular arrangement. The device includes four plates with latitude ranges between 42° and 52°. The back face provides comprehensive astronomical information through five distinct scales: degree, zodiacal signs, calendar, unequal hours, and a central shadow square. The alidade is a double-ended, counter-changed component featuring inverted Gothic-style tips.
- Provenance and Attribution
- This astrolabe is attributed to the workshop of Jean Fusoris in Paris. The attribution is supported by stylistic similarities between the rete's design and other instruments known to originate from the Fusoris workshop. The object entered the current collection in 1957 following a gift from J. A. Billmeir. The object's provenance is traced back to the collection of Claude Fry. Records indicate that Billmeir acquired the astrolabe through a London auction at Sotheby's on March 14, 1957, where it was designated as lot 146. It is currently catalogued under the accession number 1957-84/175B.
- Rete and Astronomical Features
- The rete is an indicator-line full type that features 21 stars, each indicated by a flamant pointer. The zodiac is inscribed with specific Latin-derived labels. The rete exhibits four engraved dots along the lower edge of the central opening. The ecliptic scale is marked on the rete with a 0-30 degree range. The instrument is secured by a central nut and bolt assembly. The womb section contains four notable dots placed above the central hole. Measurements are provided for mediation and declination for all 21 stars, including notable stars such as Aldebaran, Sirius, and Arcturus, using standardized pointers.
Identification
- Reference
- 53801
- Inventory number
- 53801
- 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 ring may have been soldered but has broken apart
- Research required: The identification as a Fusoris product is based on stylistic resemblance to items from his workshop