Gualterus Arsenius Astrolabe
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1572
This brass astrolabe, measuring 341 mm in diameter, was created by Gualterus Arsenius in Louvain in 1572. The instrument consists of a mater housing ten plates calibrated for various latitudes, which are installed in an inverted orientation.
The suspension mechanism features a compass equipped with a magnetic needle, flanked by two satyr figures—one feminine and one masculine. The rete displays 54 star positions identified by names, while the zodiacal circle includes Latin nomenclature and symbols. A central pointer, divided by a pivot, is graduated for declination measurements labeled as meridionalis and septentrionalis. The reverse side includes a limb graduated into 90-degree quadrants, a calendar with saint names, and a half shadow square for topographical calculations.
The instrument is signed: 'Gualterus Arsenius nepos Gemmae Frisij Louuanij fecit anno 1572'. It is held within the collection of the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza in Florence.
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
- 1572
- Type
- Flemish astrolabe
- Maker
- Gualterus Arsenius
- Diameter
- 341 mm
- Signature
- Gualterus Arsenius nepos Gemmae Frisij Louuanij fecit anno 1572
- Plate Count
- 10
- Place recorded
- Louvain
- Maker / attribution
- Gualterus Arsenius
Design
- Visible features
- • Suspension system includes a compass with a magnetic needle. • Two satyr figures flank the compass block on the throne. • Rete contains 54 star points. • Reverse side features a half shadow square with inscriptions UMBRA RECT and UMBRA VERSA.
- Plates and Signature
- The mater contains ten plates calibrated for various latitudes ranging from 23 to 60 degrees. The source indicates that these plates are placed in an upside-down orientation. A pointer crosses the face, divided into two graduated sections labeled 'Declinatio: Meridionalis' and 'Declinatio Septentrionalis'. The instrument is signed by the maker with the inscription: 'Gualterus Arsenius nepos Gemmae Frisij Louuanij fecit anno 1572', confirming its production in 1572.
- Construction and Decoration
- The astrolabe is constructed from brass and measures 341 mm in diameter. The throne is fashioned with two satyrs, one young and one old, reclining against a block that houses a compass complete with its magnetic needle and glass. The suspension ring is attached to this block via an elaborate mechanism. The rete displays 54 stars, indicated by protruding points labeled with names. The zodiac circle is marked with Latin names, symbols, and numbers I to XII. The central pivot is flattened and decorated with a stylized engraving.
- Back and Topographical Features
- The reverse side of the instrument features a limb divided into four 90-degree quadrants. It lists the zodiac signs in Latin with their associated symbols and numbers. A calendar is also present, divided into twelve months, each consisting of thirty days, including the names of saints corresponding to specific dates. The central area is split into upper and lower sections. The lower portion includes a half shadow square with double graduations from 0 to 60 and 1 to 12, along with the inscriptions 'UMBRA RECT' and 'UMBRA VERSA' for topographical operations.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 1103
- 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 plates are noted to be placed upside-down, which is described as unusual.
- Research required: The specific function of the feminine and masculine satyr figures beyond being characteristic of the workshop is not detailed.