Dodecagonal Astrolabe by Erasmus Habermel
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1585
This dodecagonal brass astrolabe is attributed to the maker Erasmus Habermel, dating to approximately 1585. The instrument is distinguished by its twelve-sided form, a configuration described as unusual for the maker.
The throne features an engraved coat of arms belonging to Franciscus Paduanius of Forli, a physician whose clientele included Pope and Emperor Rudolf II. The rete is of an ecliptic design, housing 18 star pointers, and the back displays a Gemma Frisius style universal projection. Construction components include a three-piece mater and limb assembly, with a limb composed of a dodecagonal band fixed to a circular inner band.
Acquired in 1924 via donation by Lewis Evans, the instrument reflects historical links to the Strozzi family collection and the broader patronage of Paduanius, who is associated with approximately 28 other signed instruments by Habermel.
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. 1585
- Form
- Dodecagonal
- Type
- Latin-inscribed astrolabe
- Maker
- Erasmus Habermel
- Material
- Brass
- Provenance
- Strozzi family collection
- Acquisition
- Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Erasmus Habermel
Design
- Visible features
- • Dodecagonal limb construction • Arms of Franciscus Paduanius engraved on throne • Ornate floral pattern on pin head • Omega-shaped shackle
- Provenance and History
- The astrolabe was previously part of the Strozzi family collection before its sale in Amsterdam in 1911. Lewis Evans subsequently purchased the object from his London dealer, Percy Webster, in 1921. It was later presented to the university collection in 1924. The presence of the Paduanius arms suggests a specific connection to the physician Franciscus Paduanius.
- Construction and Design
- The instrument is constructed from brass and features a distinctive dodecagonal exterior shape. The limb consists of a twelve-sided outer band attached to a circular inner band, providing a unique geometry for the frame. The throne, which supports the ring and omega-type shackle, is engraved with the coat of arms of Franciscus Paduanius. The shackle itself is decorated with a seven-petalled flower design. The mater is part of a three-piece construction. The interior womb includes an ornate Quadratum nauticum featuring a full wind-rose, and the back of the instrument is engraved with a Gemma Frisius style universal projection, which integrates various meridians, parallels, and scales for astronomical calculations.
- Rete and Astronomical Features
- The rete is an ecliptic-type design containing 18 stars, each marked by a flamant-style pointer. The zodiac labels are present, and the rete is secured to the mater using a pin and horse, with the pin head decorated in an ornate floral pattern. The rete has documented evidence of repair where the meridian and east-west straps once detached from the ecliptic band. The instrument includes three plates for varying latitudes, a double-ended counter-changed alidade, and a double-ended regula. The alidade bears the maker's initials, E.H., on the reverse side, confirming its association with Habermel.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 37297
- 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: Repair to the rete meridian and east-west straps is mentioned in source
- Research required: Cracked limb at XI o'clock