The Planisphere of [Tycho] Brahe, plate 6 from Harmonia Macrocosmica, 1660
Hand-colored engravingexpand_more
Gift of Harlan D. Bossexpand_more P.90.27.32
Not on Viewexpand_more
The Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe (1546-1601) devised this complex geo-heliocentric model, which has the Sun and Moon revolving around the Earth, and the other planets orbiting the Sun. This reflected a compromise between the systems of Ptolemy and Copernicus by permitting the Earth to remain immobile at the center of the universe but accounting for some of the newly recorded observations on how the planets moved. Despite its problems (namely the intersecting orbits of Mars and the Sun), Tycho's hybrid system was favored during most of the 17th century.
Tycho operated one of Europe's most advanced observatories, called Uraniborg, built on the island of Hven with the support of the Danish crown. His advanced astronomical instruments and tireless observation-he accurately measured and catalogued the position of more than 1,000 stars-helped elevate the field of astronomy to the level of serious science.
Details
- Title
- The Planisphere of [Tycho] Brahe, plate 6 from Harmonia Macrocosmica
- Artist Life
- German (active in the Netherlands), c. 1596 - 1665
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- P.90.27.32
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.