Copernican Armillary Sphere

Dimensions: H 46cm x D 25 cm



Armillary sphere which is based on the heliocentric system of Copernicus.

Made of cardboard and printed paper, it is mounted on a baluster-shaped walnut shaft and represents a mobile planetary system.

The central belt determines the months and astrological signs. This zodiacal band has a double graduation and hides one of the main fixed arms characterizing the ecliptic axis.

The second main fixed armilla, vertical, represents the colors of the equinoxes and solstices and defines the fixed stars.

The mobile arms, six in number, gravitate around the central sphere. Like a geocentric armillary and unlike a Ptolemy, the central sphere would represent the sun.

The arms thus respectively define the planets, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Earth, Venus and Mercury and are each annotated with information on their orbit speed.
An annex sphere at the same level as the armilla of the earth, gravitates on itself and around the sun, with the meridian mention.


Beautiful and interesting work from the beginning of the 19th century

The armillary sphere (from the Latin “armilla” – circle) is still used today for educational purposes.