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Lapis Polaris Magnes, Stradanus, Engraving by Philips Galle

1591 Phls Galle Engraving: Lapis Polaris Magnes. From Nova repertes illustrating the invention of the Compass

Type of object:

Timekeeper & Sundial & Compass & Barograpf, Book & Prints

Time period:

Denemarken & Belgie

Place:

Antwerp

Date:

1591

Maker / Author:

Circa 1591, first edition engraving by Phillip Galle

Publisher / Printer:

STRADANUS – STRAET, Jan van der (1536-1605)

Dimensions:

11 x 9”. 27.3 x 19.2 cm

Material:

Uncolored Copperprint engraving. Remargined.

Graduation:

None

Inscription:

Ioan Stradanus invent Phls Galle excud.;; original title resected

Provenance:

Southern Netherlands ( Belgium)

References:

n/a

Image by Austin Neill

Description

Seated to right, seen on profile, Flavio Amalfitano at his desk measuring a compass while reading a book; a globe and an hourglass also seen on his desk and a dog at bis feet; opposite him, floating on air, a sailing ship and below another desk with books and an astrolabe globe; a large recipient filled with liquid and a stone at centre seen in the foreground, to left.
Flavio Gioia or Biondo from Amalfi is credited with inventing the compass. In combination with the movement and the sextant, one is able to determine place and route. The print depicts various earths, compasses, measuring angles, a compass and an hourglass that are used by the scientist.

Additional information

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