Terrestrial and celestial globes and armillary spheres, were important educational tools for illustrating the geographical, astronomical, and cosmographical concepts of the Renaissance and the Age of European Discovery. This armillary sphere displays a fascinating mix of Greek mythology and early science: One of the legendary Titans battling Zeus was defeated and decreed to carry the weight of the world on his mighty shoulders for eternity. This armillary dial, however, has Atlas carrying the whole universe; or rather the known Renaissance universe, when the earth was still believed to be at its centre. Gracefully intertwined silver rings symbolize the position and trajectories of heavenly bodies around the earth. In all aspects ethereal, science combined with beauty, myth with historic fact. Height: 56 cm, 22". Diameter: 25.5 cm, 10".
