F1285-2

Obverse of Gunter quadrant Long Caption: This is a horary quadrant marked with Gunter scales and a shadow square for surveying marked in the top third. Aside from the signature 'J C 1630', it has several unusual inscriptions. The front left shows the initials 'RF' and an image, possibly of a fox. Around the apex is 'Ut hora sic fugit vita tempus edax rerum'. This translates as 'When the hour of life passes time devours all'. The reverse shows a figure with a rose between his teeth within the engraving of the constellations of planispheric projection. This might be a self portrait of the maker or perhaps an image of King Charles I. All space around the planisphere is decorated with angels and dragons. It was made for the latitude of London. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object: NAV1050 Artist: John Chatfield Date: 1630 Medium: brass Size: 12 mm x 89 mm x 89 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.