Objekt 6
Armillary sphere
Description
This armillary sphere is geocentric, the globe is in the center. The model represents a late example of the world view dating back to Ptolemy, disproved by Copernicus, but favored by astrologers until the 18th century, which sees the Earth as the center of the universe. Sphere models have been used for astronomical calculations since ancient times. The representation of the planetary orbits by brass wire rings (armillas) offered the necessary transparency that compact celestial globes could not provide.
Object description
probably Italy, 18th century
Brass, partly engraved, wood
Deposit Emanuel George Sarasin-Grossmann, Basel
Inv. 1982.661.