Ptolemaic System Collection

Catalan Atlas, 14th century. The 6-page Catalan Atlas (1375) was produced on vellum by the Jewish cartographer Abraham Cresques

18th Century astronomical diagrams. Historical diagrams describing various 18th Century theoretical systems used to describe the motion of the planets in our solar system

Ptolemy (Claudius Ptolemaeus) (c. 90-168) holding a sextant (engraving) (b / w photo)
CHT223773 Ptolemy (Claudius Ptolemaeus) (c.90-168) holding a sextant (engraving) (b/w photo) by French School, (16th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Ptolemy (c. 90-168) (Claudius Ptolemaeus) in the Observatory at Alexandria
CHT209226 Ptolemy (c.90-168) (Claudius Ptolemaeus) in the Observatory at Alexandria, from La Vie des Savants Illustres by Louis Figuier (engraving) (later colouration) by French School

Allegory of Astronomy, from an edition of Margarita Philosophica
CHT223767 Allegory of Astronomy, from an edition of Margarita Philosophica by Gregor Reisch, published in Basel, 1508 (woodcut) by Reisch

Ptolemy (c. 90-168) (Claudius Ptolemaeus) in the Observatory at Alexandria
CHT216939 Ptolemy (c.90-168) (Claudius Ptolemaeus) in the Observatory at Alexandria, from La Vie des Savants Illustres by Louis Figuier (engraving) (b/w photo) by French School

Frontispiece of Dialogus De Systemate Mundi by Galileo
XJF359060 Frontispiece of Dialogus De Systemate Mundi by Galileo, edition published in 1641 (engraving) by Dutch School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Frontispiece of Dialogus De Systemate Mundi by Galileo (1564-1642)
CHT223764 Frontispiece of Dialogus De Systemate Mundi by Galileo (1564-1642), published in Leyden 1635 (engraving) (b/w photo) by Dutch School, (17th century); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Ptolemic System, 1660-1661. Artist: Andreas Cellarius
Ptolemic System, 1660-1661. The Ptolemaic or geocentric model has the Earth at the centre of the Universe with all the other bodies, including the Sun, orbiting around it

Urania, the Muse of Astronomy, weighing and comparing systems of the universe, 1651. She is depicted giving greater weight to Tycho Brahes system, right, than to that of Copernicus

Ptolemaic (geocentric / Earth-centred) system of the Universe, 1708
Ptolemaic (geocentric/Earth-centred) system of the Universe, 1708. Illustration showing the position of the Sun, Moon and planets and the band of the ecliptic

Geocentric universe, 1493. God enthroned surrounded by the chosen and Angels, sits above a diagram of the geocentric Ptolemaic universe, with the Earth surrounded by water, air and fire

Ptolemaic world map by Francesco Rosselli, copperplate on paper, 15th Century
Cartography, Italy, 15th century. Ptolemaic world map created by Francesco Rosselli. Copperplate printed on paper. 37.5 x 52.5 cm

Planetary spheres, 1708
Planetary spheres. This is plate 3 from the 1708 edition of the star atlas Harmonica Macrocosmica by the Dutch-German mathematician and cosmographer Andreas Cellarius (1596-1665)

Ptolemaic worldview, 1708
Ptolemaic worldview. This is plate 2 from the 1708 edition of the star atlas Harmonica Macrocosmica by the Dutch-German mathematician and cosmographer Andreas Cellarius (1596-1665)

Astronomy diagrams, 1823 C017 / 8058
Astronomy diagrams, 19th century. At centre is an armillary sphere, a device with moveable interlocking rings representing the circles of the celestial sphere

Ptolemaic world system

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The Ptolemaic system, named after the ancient Greek astronomer Claudius Ptolemy, was a geocentric model of the universe that dominated scientific thought for centuries. This intricate system can be traced back to the 14th century Catalan Atlas and 18th-century astronomical diagrams. Ptolemy himself is depicted in various artworks holding a sextant, symbolizing his contribution to astronomy. In one engraving, he stands proudly with this instrument in hand, showcasing his dedication to studying celestial bodies. Another image shows him at the Observatory in Alexandria, where he conducted extensive observations and calculations. The influence of Ptolemy's work is evident on the title page of "Dialogue concerning two chief world systems, " which compares his geocentric model with Copernicus' heliocentric theory. Galileo also references Ptolemy's ideas in his own book "Dialogus De Systemate Mundi, " as seen on its frontispiece. Artistic representations further illustrate the impact of the Ptolemaic system. Andreas Cellarius' artwork from 1660-1661 showcases an elaborate depiction of celestial spheres within this framework. Meanwhile, Urania, Muse of Astronomy, weighs and compares different systems of the universe in a painting from 1651. Despite later discoveries challenging its accuracy, such as those made by Copernicus and Galileo themselves, it is important to recognize that the Ptolemaic system laid down crucial foundations for our understanding of astronomy throughout history.