A Previously Unrecorded Medieval Latin Astrolabe and Evidence for a Mid-fourteenth Century Instrument Workshop

A previously unknown medieval Latin astrolabe is described in detail. Although its condition is far from perfect, detailed study shows that not only was it made to a high standard of workmanship and very well engraved, it can be linked to a group of larger astrolabes, probably from Italy in the mid to late 14th century, some of which have been described by Tullio Tomba. Various features of the overall style, the palaeography, the stars, and the metallurgy have been identified which allow the members of this group of astrolabes to be linked. Other derivative astrolabes from slightly later in the medieval period share some of these features and lead to the belief that there was an important workshop in northern Italy which produced instruments over a significant period. It is also possible that these features had some influence on the style of astrolabes produced in the Parisian workshop of Jean Fusoris.