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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Italian astrolabe

Astrolabe by Eufrosino della Volpaia

Partially verified

This brass astrolabe, measuring 180 mm in diameter, was created in Florence in 1525 by Eufrosino della Volpaia. The instrument features a throne decorated with two foliate scrolls and a floral suspension apparatus. The front of the scrolls bears the maker's signature, while the reverse is dated. The mater features an outer 24-hour scale and an inner altitude scale. The rete includes flame-shaped star pointers, with the Tropic of Capricorn circle shaped as a dragon's head and tail. Notable design features include wind names inscribed on the exterior rim and star magnitudes marked on the reverse of the rete. The instrument contains an ecliptic, a set of plates for various latitudes, and a double shadow scale on the back. It is currently held by the British Museum.

Front view of the brass astrolabe by Eufrosino della Volpaia, dated 1525, showing the rete and the throne.
Front view of the brass astrolabe by Eufrosino della Volpaia, dated 1525, showing the rete and the throne. — British Museum, London. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.mhs.ox.ac.uk
Category
Tool · Italian astrolabe
Maker / attribution
Eufrosino della Volpaia
Reference
MLA 1895,9-15.1
Catalogue / lot identifier
MLA 1895,9-15.1
Source-reported date
1525
Source-reported place
Italy

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Construction and Design

The instrument is constructed of brass and measures 180 mm in diameter. The rim of the mater is soldered to the backplate and features an external 24-hour scale, while the interior displays a 360-degree altitude scale. The throne is comprised of two foliate scrolls and a suspension apparatus adorned with a flower motif. The instrument's rete is notable for its flame-shaped star pointers and a Tropic of Capricorn circle shaped like a dragon's head and tail.

The back of the astrolabe is highly detailed with concentric scales for altitude, zodiac signs, and an eccentric calendar scale. The internal vacant space contains a double shadow scale marked for 'UMBRA RECTA' and 'UMBRA VERSA', along with two horary quadrants for unequal hours. The instrument incorporates unique design details, such as the wind names inscribed around the outer rim and star magnitudes indicated on the reverse of the rete.

Evidence for this section
  • “The rim of the mater bears an equal 24-hour scale on the outside”
  • “The throne consists of two foliate scrolls and a suspension apparatus decorated with a flower.”
  • “The star pointers are flame-shaped, the circle for the tropic of Capricorn is in the shape of the head and tail of a dragon.”
  • “The outside of the rim is marked with the names of the winds”

Signatures and Inscriptions

The signature of the maker is present on the front of the foliate scrolls on the throne, reading 'EUPHROSYN<US> VULPARIA FLORENTIN<US> FACIEBAT'. The date 'ANNO D<OMI>NI M.D.XXV' is inscribed on the back of the scrolls. The instrument uses an unusual stamp for the numeral '3', appearing as if two threes were stamped over one another.

The names of 24 stars are engraved on the rete, including those for the zodiacal signs and various constellations. The plates for the instrument, intended for specific latitudes of 42, 43, 45, and 48 degrees, are marked with circles for the equator, tropics, azimuths, and almucantars.

Evidence for this section
  • “On the front of the scrolls is the signature of the maker 'EUPHROSYN<US> VULPARIA FLORENTIN<US> FACIEBAT'”
  • “the date 'ANNO D<OMI>NI M.D.XXV' is given.”
  • “The form of the stamp used for the numeral '3' is also very uncommon, looking as if two threes were stamped into each other”

Provenance and Condition

The instrument was acquired by the British Museum in 1895, purchased from Guiseppe Panni. It is documented in several reference works, including R. T. Gunther's 'The Astrolabes of the World' and F. A. B. Ward's catalogue of scientific instruments in the Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities.

Regarding its condition, it is noted that the rete does not correctly line up with the rim, which suggests that at least one original plate is missing from the assembly. Additionally, the washer is identified as a later addition, and the radial rule has been replaced.

Evidence for this section
  • “The instrument was purchased from Guiseppe Panni in 1895”
  • “The rete does not line up with the rim suggesting that at least one plate is missing.”
  • “The washer is a later addition.”
  • “the radial rule is a replacement.”

Open research questions

  • Is there physical evidence suggesting which latitude plate might be missing to allow the rete to align with the rim?
  • Are there other instruments by Eufrosino della Volpaia that exhibit the same unusual '3' stamp style?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Astrolabe by Eufrosino della Volpaia
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerEufrosino della Volpaia“Signed by Eufrosino della Volpaia”
Date1525“Dated 1525”
Diameter180 mm“180 mm in diameter”
Registration NumberMLA 1895,9-15.1“Registration no. MLA 1895,9-15.1”
Shadow ScaleUmbra Recta and Umbra Versa“a double shadow scale marked 'UMBRA RECTA' and 'UMBRA VERSA' to the base of 12”
Wind Names12 names on the rim“The outside of the rim is marked with the names of the winds as follows (clockwise starting at the throne): 'LIBONOTUS', 'APHRICUS', 'ZEPHYRUS', 'CORUS', 'CIRCIUS', 'SEPTENTRIO', 'BOREAS', 'VVULTURNUS', 'SUBSOLANUS', 'EVRUS', 'EVRONOTUS', 'AVSTER'.”

Visible details

  • Throne consists of two foliate scrolls
  • Tropic of Capricorn depicted as a dragon
  • Flame-shaped star pointers
  • Wind names inscribed on exterior rim

Research qualifications

  • Rete does not align with the rim, suggesting a missing plate
  • Radial rule is a replacement
  • Washer is a later addition

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Astrolabe

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record bc2306a7f5

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other italian astrolabe records