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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Tool · Latin-inscribed astrolabe

Astrolabe by Jean Fusoris

Partially verified

This brass astrolabe is attributed to the Paris workshop of Jean Fusoris (c.1365-1436), one of the earliest known European astrolabe makers. Its construction comprises a two-piece soldered mater and limb, the latter bearing scales for equal hours and later miscellaneous inscriptions. The rete is of the full indicator-line type, featuring 21 stars with flamant pointers and zodiacal labels. The back includes scales for degrees, zodiacal signs, the calendar, unequal hours, and a shadow square. Five plates are provided with latitudes ranging from 42° to 56°. Acquired by the University of Oxford via Lewis Evans in 1924, this item is noted for its shared design characteristics with other astrolabes from the Fusoris workshop, such as the T-shaped strapwork within the ecliptic and the positioning of specific star pointers.

Full view of the astrolabe showing the rete, throne, and ring.
Full view of the astrolabe showing the rete, throne, and ring. — History of Science Museum, University of Oxford. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.mhs.ox.ac.uk
Category
Tool · Latin-inscribed astrolabe
Maker / attribution
Jean Fusoris
Reference
49636
Catalogue / lot identifier
1924-0/2044
Source-reported date
ca. 1400
Source-reported place
France

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

Structural Design and Components

The astrolabe is constructed from brass and consists of a two-piece soldered mater and limb. The throne is a simple design attached to an integrated base, supporting an omega-type shackle and a round-section ring. The instrument employs a pin and wedge to secure the rete in place, and it is provided with a double-ended, counter-changed alidade.

The rete is of the full indicator-line type and features 21 stars marked with flamant-style pointers. The zodiacal signs are inscribed on the rete in Latin, and the ecliptic contains distinctive T-shaped strapwork. Five plates are included with the object, accommodating latitudes from 42° to 56°.

Evidence for this section
  • “The throne is of the simple type made of brass attached with integrated base made of brass and has a simple, round cross-section ring made of brass and omega type shackle made of brass”
  • “The rete is attached using a pin & wedge.”
  • “The rete contains 21 stars.”

Scales and Inscriptions

The limb of the instrument features an equal hours scale. A later inscription is found along the edge of the instrument, consisting of miscellaneous marks aligned with months on the calendar found on the back.

The back of the astrolabe contains five distinct scales: degree, zodiacal signs, calendar, unequal hours, and a shadow square. These scales are arranged in circular or quadrant layouts to facilitate astronomical measurements.

Evidence for this section
  • “Scales on the limb: equal hours scale.”
  • “A later inscription is found along the edge of the instrument.”
  • “The back contains 5 scales of the following types: Degree; Zodiacal signs; Calendar; Unequal hours; Shadow square.”

Provenance and Attribution

This instrument is attributed to the Paris workshop of Jean Fusoris, which operated from the 1390s until 1415. The attribution is based on shared characteristics with other identified works from this workshop, including the specific design of the rete and the positioning of certain star pointers.

The object was presented to the collection by Lewis Evans in 1924. Provenance records indicate that Evans acquired the astrolabe from H. Weishaupt, a dealer based in Paris.

Evidence for this section
  • “The collection contains four astrolabes confidently attributed to the Paris workshop of Jean Fusoris”
  • “rete resembles those from Jean Fusoris's workshop.”
  • “Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924”
  • “Evans bought it from H. Weishaupt, a Paris dealer.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific nature and significance of the 'later inscriptions' found on the limb?
  • To what degree does the incorrect positioning of the cornu arietis pointer impact the astronomical accuracy of the device?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Astrolabe by Jean Fusoris
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJean Fusoris“Maker Jean Fusoris”
Dateca. 1400“Date ca. 1400”
Place of manufactureParis“Place Paris”
MaterialBrass“Material Brass”
Inventory number49636“Inventory number: 49636”
AcquisitionPresented by Lewis Evans in 1924“Presented by Lewis Evans in 1924”
Rete stars21“The rete contains 21 stars.”
ProvenancePurchased from H. Weishaupt“Evans bought it from H. Weishaupt, a Paris dealer.”

Visible details

  • Omega-type shackle
  • Counter-changed alidade
  • Flamant-style star pointers
  • T-shaped strapwork within ecliptic

Research qualifications

  • Incorrect positioning of the star pointer for cornu arietis
  • Later inscriptions on the limb edge

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

Consulted source

Astrolabe, inventory 49636 (Paris, ca. 1400)

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 906d3e9f36

Terms in this record

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

Other latin-inscribed astrolabe records