Celestial Globe, Willem Janszoon Blaeu, 1645 - 1648
engraving, d c.68cm × h c.110cm × w c.100cm × d c.100cm More details
In the 17th century globes were often sold in pairs: a terrestrial and a celestial one. For thousands of years, shipmasters relied on constellations to navigate at sea. Accordingly, cartographers asked the shipmasters to record their astronomical observations. On that basis, globes like this one were made. They were not meant to be taken on sea voyages, but served as precious objects for the wealthy and scientists.
