Philippe Danfrie paper-covered wood astrolabe
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1584
This astrolabe, dated 1584 and signed by the Parisian maker Philippe Danfrie, is constructed primarily of wood finished with applied printed paper. The instrument features a three-lobed throne and an integrated base, both decorated with printed imagery.
The limb and mater are of single-piece wood construction, featuring scales for degree measurements and equal hours. The reverse side includes six distinct scales: degree, zodiacal signs, calendar, shadow square, dominical letter, and epact. The rete is crafted from pasteboard with applied paper and displays 29 star pointers. The instrument is held together by a central brass bolt with a wing-nut, supporting a double-ended rule and alidade.
The astrolabe was presented to the History of Science Museum by Lewis Evans in 1924, having been acquired from the dealer Guggenheim in Venice.
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
- 1584
- Type
- Latin-inscribed astrolabe
- Maker
- Philippe Danfrie
- Material
- Wood with applied printed paper
- Provenance
- Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924
- Star Count
- 29
- Place recorded
- France
- Maker Signature
- Philipvs Danfrieus, Siderographus Regius Generalis Lutetiae exarabat, Anno Salutis 1584
- Maker / attribution
- Philippe Danfrie
Design
- Visible features
- • The throne features an impish face on the reverse and a female face on the front. • The rete contains 29 stars marked with flamant-style pointers. • The brass bolt assembly includes a threaded bolt and a wing-nut.
- Rete and Components
- The rete is constructed of pasteboard covered with printed paper and features 29 stars identified with flamant pointers. The zodiacal signs are labelled around the ecliptic circle. The rete is held in place by a brass threaded bolt and wing-nut assembly. The instrument includes an alidade and a rule, both of which are double-ended and counter-changed. These components are original to the instrument. The plates provide a range of latitudes spanning from 39 to 57 degrees.
- Scales and Back Plate
- The reverse of the astrolabe is covered in printed paper and hosts six circular scales. These include a degree scale (0-90 degrees), zodiacal divisions, and a calendar representing the days of the year. The central portion includes a shadow square marked in fingers. Additionally, the back displays tables for the dominical letter and the epact for the year 1583. The maker's signature is prominently engraved on the back, providing the name Philipvs Danfrieus and his title as Siderographus Regius Generalis (Royal Astrolabist General) in Paris.
- Construction and Materials
- The instrument is primarily manufactured from wood, which serves as the base for applied printed paper. This material choice allowed for faster production methods using copper-plates compared to traditional metal-engraved instruments. The mater and limb are designed as a single-piece construction. The throne utilizes a three-lobed form, also made of wood. It is adorned with printed illustrations; the front side displays a female face, while the reverse side depicts an impish face. The suspension components, including the shackle and the ring, are fashioned from brass.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 34268
- 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 source notes this type of astrolabe was probably more common than surviving numbers indicate.
- Research required: The specific modern identity of some stars on the rete remains subject to technical identification.