Museo Galileo
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Virtual Museum
Quadrant
    • Setting:
      Room II
    • Maker:
      unknown
    • Place:
      Naples
    • Date:
      1553
    • Materials:
      brass
    • Dimensions:
      side 172 mm
    • Inventory:
      2522
    • Quadrant (Inv. 2522)
    • Quadrant (Inv. 2522)

This elegant quadrant features an unusual scalloped rim. On the front, the letters "A.D." are engraved at the center of the band. The rim carries three graduated scales: the degree scale, identified by the letter G, and other two scales divided into 48 equal parts and 48 decreasing parts respectively, identified by the letters A and L. The middle of the plate is engraved with a zodiacal calendar, a small index pivoting at its center. The back displays the declinations of many stars, some hour markings, and a motto on the brevity of life signed "T.R." Provenance: Medici collections.