E0650

Astrolabe: reverse Long Caption: The importance of this astrolabe lies in its Royal provenance and the astrological information it contains on the reverse. It was once believed to have been made for Queen Elizabeth on account of the inscribed royal arms flanked by 'ER' on the back of the instrument. However, recent research concludes that it was actually constructed for her half-brother, Edward VI. Only the throne, limb and back of this instrument survive - the rete, plates, alidade and rule have been discarded. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Gabb Collection Object: AST0567 Artist: Thomas Gemini; Henry Sutton Date: circa 1552 Medium: bronze Size: diameter: 352 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.