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16th-century astronomy
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16th-century astronomy
16th-century astronomy. Artwork of Atlas holding up the heavens. This artwork was published in Freiburg in 1503 in the encyclopedia Margarita Philosophica by the German author Gregor Reisch (c.1467-1525). This encyclopedia was very popular, and was one of the standard textbooks of the time. The Earth (behind Atlas) is surrounded by spheres marking the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and four outer celestial spheres, the first of which contained the stars. As well as being a geocentric model, this shows Atlas as the universal structure (Macrocosm) that corresponded to the earthly structure (Microcosm) of the human body. This was a central concept in the astrology and natural philosophy of medieval Europe and the Renaissance
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Media ID 6469727
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1500s 1503 16th Century Antarctic Arctic Astrological Astrology Atlas Book Celestial Circles Circular Cosmological Cosmology Diagram East Encyclopedia Geocentric German Goddess Heavenly Heavens History Of Science Jupiter Legend Legendary Margarita Philosophica Mars Medieval Mercury Middle Ages Moon Myth Mythical Mythology Natural Philosophy North Pole Planets Poles Renaissance Saturn South Pole Spheres Stars Text Book Theory Titan Universe Venus West Astronomia Gregor Reisch Macrocosm Microcosm Mythic
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable piece of 16th-century astronomy artwork. Created by the German author Gregor Reisch and published in his renowned encyclopedia Margarita Philosophica in 1503, this illustration depicts Atlas, the legendary Titan, holding up the heavens. The Earth is depicted behind Atlas, surrounded by celestial spheres representing various planets including the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and four outer celestial spheres containing stars. Beyond its geocentric model representation of our universe at that time period, this artwork also symbolizes a profound concept prevalent in medieval European astrology and natural philosophy. It highlights how Atlas as the universal structure (Macrocosm) mirrors the earthly structure (Microcosm) of the human body. This intricate connection between macrocosm and microcosm was central to understanding astrology during both medieval Europe and Renaissance periods. The detailed illustration not only serves as an astronomical diagram but also reflects mythical elements with its depiction of gods and goddesses associated with each planet. Its circular composition adds to its aesthetic appeal while conveying a sense of harmony within cosmic order. Published during an era when scientific knowledge was rapidly expanding across Europe, Reisch's Margarita Philosophica became one of the most popular textbooks at that time. This particular artwork from his encyclopedia offers us a glimpse into historical cosmological theories while showcasing exquisite artistry intertwined with scientific exploration.
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