E5578-1

Astrolabe: signature beneath shadow square Long Caption: George Hartman (1489-1564) moved to Nuremberg, an important centre for the production of scientific instruments, in 1518 and was probably the most prolific instrument maker during the first quarter of the 16th century. It is not surprising, therefore, that some characteristics of his astrolabes appear to betray an emphasis on quantity rather than quality. He never engraved letters or numbers, but used punches instead. The triangular throne is cast as one piece and is composed of three sculpted circles, or roundrels, which give the appearance of flower petals. The upper roundrel is pierced, so that it can hold the shackle with the swivel, pin and ring. The throne is soldered to the rim, which in turn is riveted to the mater. The rete, which follows a design characteristic of Hartman, has 27 needle-shaped star pointers. There are three plates with stereographic projections for the following latitudes: 39/42 Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object: AST0568 Artist: Georgius Hartmann Date: 1548 Medium: brass Size: diameter: 160 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.