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
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