The Artificial or Oblique Armillary Sphere, 1740, Nicolas de Fer (after); Engraver: P. Starckmann, Dutch, 15 7/8 x 16 5/8 in. (40.32 x 42.23 cm) (plate)20 7/8 x 21 7/8 in. (53.02 x 55.56 cm) (sheet), Hand-colored engraving, The Netherlands, 18th century, Ancient astronomers used the armillary sphere to measure the coordinates of stars. By the 17th century, the tool was regarded as too imprecise for scientists, but it found new life in the well-appointed libraries of rich burghers, where it became a chic curiosity and emblem of sophistication. This example shows the traditional model, with the Earth at the center of the universe. The graduated rings represent the primary celestial sphere, which includes the 12 constellations of the zodiac, the celestial equator, the meridian, and the latitude lines of the Earth projected into the sky.
Keywords:
Artificial, Oblique Armillary Sphere, 1740, Nicolas de Fer, Engraver, P, Starckmann, Dutch, plate, sheet, Hand-colored engraving, Netherlands, 18th century, Ancient astronomers, armillary sphere, measure, coordinates, stars, 17th century, tool, regarded, too imprecise, scientists, new life, well-appointed libraries, rich burghers, chic curiosity, emblem, sophistication, example, traditional model, Earth, center, universe, graduated rings represent, primary celestial sphere, includes, 12 constellations, zodiac, celestial equator, meridian, latitude lines, Earth projected, sky
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