E5576-4

Astrolabe: plate for latitude 51 Long Caption: This elegant astrolabe, constructed for use in England, shows a close resemblance to the astrolabes traditionally associated with the Parisian maker Jean Fusoris (1365-1436). It has been assumed, therefore, that this instrument originated from his workshop in Paris. However, several characteristics of this astrolabe deviate from Fusoris, most notably the different style in letters and numbers, and so it is unlikely to have come from his workshop. The obvious similarities with Fusoris may lie in the fact that he came to London and Norwich in 1415, where he might have shown someone else how to make them. The Museum of the History of Science in Oxford (inventory no. 47.674) contains a very similar astrolabe that was almost certainly constructed by the same maker, whose identity remains anonymous at present. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Sir William Lawrence collection Object: AST0565 Artist: unknown Date: mid 15th century Medium: brass Size: diameter: 280 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.