17th-Century Armillary Sphere
Click to enlarge
17th-Century Armillary Sphere
Click to enlarge
17th-Century Armillary Sphere
Click to enlarge
17th-Century Armillary Sphere
Click to enlarge
17th-Century Armillary Sphere
17th-Century Armillary Sphere
17th-Century Armillary Sphere
17th-Century Armillary Sphere
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17th-Century Armillary Sphere

  • This significant Copernican armillary sphere is a marvel of early astronomical study
  • It is not only beautiful, but remarkable in design, detail and execution
  • It features the celestial latitudes and longitudes of the Sun, Moon and Earth
  • Set on bronze foot with turned baluster
  • Get complete item description here
$34,500
Item No. 31-6033

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Description
This exceptional Italian brass armillary sphere dates to the 17th century - exceedingly rare for an armillary sphere of this size. Though other armillary spheres were often constructed based on Ptolemaic theories of a geocentric universe, the present model is Copernican, as the Sun forms the center of the apparatus rather than the Earth. Several concentric brass rings represent the movements of the Sun, Earth and Moon, highlighting the astrological cycles and latitudinal and longitudinal. . .
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This exceptional Italian brass armillary sphere dates to the 17th century - exceedingly rare for an armillary sphere of this size. Though other armillary spheres were often constructed based on Ptolemaic theories of a geocentric universe, the present model is Copernican, as the Sun forms the center of the apparatus rather than the Earth. Several concentric brass rings represent the movements of the Sun, Earth and Moon, highlighting the astrological cycles and latitudinal and longitudinal celestial meridians. All details are inscribed in the brass, labeling the different features of the sphere, and the entire structure is set on a bronze foot with a turned baluster. Sometimes called a "spherical astrolabe," this armillary sphere is a marvel of early astronomical study.

Similar instruments are highlighted in the permanent collections of several museums, including the History of Science Museum in Oxford, England and the Museo Galileo in Florence, Italy.

Late 17th century

23 1/2" high x 10 1/2" diameter
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17th-Century Armillary Sphere
Period: 17th Century
Origin: Other
Type: Models
Depth: 10.5 Inches
Width: 10.5 Inches
Height: 23.5 Inches
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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