E0637

Astrolabe: rete (obverse) Long Caption: Erasmus Habermel (circa 1550-1609) was the most productive scientific instrument maker of the Renaissance. Around 150 of his instruments have been recorded and they are all characterised by beautiful and elegant engraving and elaborate decoration. However astrolabes were not his speciality - he is only known to have made nine. The throne comprises two elongated S-shaped scrolls surmounted by lion masks either side of a centrally-positioned compass. On top of the compass is a shackle that holds a suspension ring. This whole arrangement is set on a curved bar, which is attached to the mater by means of four round-headed screws. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object: AST0563 Artist: Erasmus Habermel Date: circa 1590 Medium: copper Size: diameter: 272 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.