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Lot Essay
The tinning to this astrolabe is a feature very rarely seen on Islamic scientific instruments, but is more common on other brass works of art. By the nature of their regular use, rubbing to the tinned surfaces is likely and it is possible that other brass astrolabes have lost such a surface over the years.
The star pointers to the rete, shaped like a shepherds hook, are based on a traditional 18th century Maghribi near-symmetrical pattern: see two astrolabes held at the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford by al Battuti, Inv. No. 52713 and Inv. No. 51459, and another unsigned Inv. No. 52713. Though unsigned, the mater of this astrolabe is very finely engraved and still has traces of tinning to the outer brass surfaces. It is possible that it dates from earlier in the 18th century than the tinned plate, rete and alidade.
The importance of Islamic science in the medieval world is well documented, but interest in astronomy and astrology continued for centuries thereafter. In particular traditions of instrument making carried on, best exemplified by fine astrolabes such as the current lot. Often described as an analogue celestial computer, the planispheric astrolabe is an instrument that enables its user to carry out calculations to determine the time of day or night based on the observation of the Sun and Stars.
The star pointers to the rete, shaped like a shepherds hook, are based on a traditional 18th century Maghribi near-symmetrical pattern: see two astrolabes held at the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford by al Battuti, Inv. No. 52713 and Inv. No. 51459, and another unsigned Inv. No. 52713. Though unsigned, the mater of this astrolabe is very finely engraved and still has traces of tinning to the outer brass surfaces. It is possible that it dates from earlier in the 18th century than the tinned plate, rete and alidade.
The importance of Islamic science in the medieval world is well documented, but interest in astronomy and astrology continued for centuries thereafter. In particular traditions of instrument making carried on, best exemplified by fine astrolabes such as the current lot. Often described as an analogue celestial computer, the planispheric astrolabe is an instrument that enables its user to carry out calculations to determine the time of day or night based on the observation of the Sun and Stars.