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James Bradley, Astronomer Royal (circa 1692-1762), 17th century (mezzotint)
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James Bradley, Astronomer Royal (circa 1692-1762), 17th century (mezzotint)
7341763 James Bradley, Astronomer Royal (circa 1692-1762), 17th century (mezzotint) by Hudson, Thomas (1701-79); 36.6x25.8 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: Thomas Hudson (artist); Johan Faber (engraver & publisher)
Jacobus Bradley, S.T.P. Regalis Societatis Socius Astronomus Regius et apud Oxonienses Astronomiae Professor Savilianus'. In 1742 Bradley was appointed Astronomer Royal. Bradley had studied theology at Balliol College, Oxford between 1711-1714. He later worked with Molyneux at Molyneux's private Observatory in Kew, where observations of the apparent displacement of Gamma Draconis led him to discover aberration. Between 1727 and 1748 he made observations of the Moon, from which he discovered nutation. He also studied Jupiter, specifically its diameter and the eclipses of its satellites. Between 1748 and 1762 he made more than 60,000 observations. As Astronomer Royal, Bradley in 1750 established a new Greenwich meridian for altitude observations, slightly east of and replacing those of Flamsteed and Halley. This became the longitudinal baseline of the original Ordnance Survey of Britain later in the century. After Airy's meridian some 19 feet further east was establishd in 1851, and in 1884 became Longitude 0 degrees for the world, the discrepancy was noticed but judged to small to warrant cartographic adjustments for land use. Bradley's meridian is therefore still the basis of British land maps. This portrait by Hudson (of which the original oil of 1742-1747 belongs to the Royal Society) was re-engraved several times. A steelplate version appears, for example with Bradley's biography, in Charles Knight's seven volume 'Gallery of Portraits' (1836).); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38340992
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
17th Century Fashion Astronomer Astronomers
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning mezzotint print captures the likeness of James Bradley, the renowned Astronomer Royal of the 17th century. The portrait, created by artist Thomas Hudson and engraver Johan Faber, showcases Bradley in all his scholarly glory. With a gaze that seems to pierce through time itself, Bradley is depicted as a man deeply immersed in the mysteries of the cosmos.
Born circa 1692, Bradley's contributions to astronomy are nothing short of groundbreaking. From his discovery of aberration while studying Gamma Draconis to his observations of nutation on the Moon, he was at the forefront of astronomical research during his time. As Astronomer Royal from 1742 until his passing in 1762, Bradley played a crucial role in establishing new standards for celestial observations.
The portrait not only captures Bradley's physical features but also hints at his intellectual prowess and dedication to scientific inquiry. His legacy lives on through more than 60,000 meticulous observations made during his tenure as Astronomer Royal.
This print serves as a timeless tribute to James Bradley's enduring impact on astronomy and science as a whole. It is a testament to his unwavering commitment to unraveling the secrets of the universe and pushing the boundaries of human knowledge beyond what was previously thought possible.
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