Allegory of Science and Astronomy
Allegory of Science and Astronomy
Allegory of Science and Astronomy
Allegory of Science and Astronomy
Allegory of Science and Astronomy

Image credit: Rhian Cox / The Fan Museum

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Folding fan, the sticks and guards elaborately carved and gilt with astrological motifs and hemispheres, the front guard set with a thermometer. The leaf is richly painted on the recto with an allegory of Astronomy. The central scene shows Urania, the Muse of Astronomy with attributes (a compass and armillary sphere). To her right sits the astronomer, Galileo Galilei (1564–1642), blinded by a beam of light – a reference, perhaps, to the myth that Galileo lost his sight due to observing the sun through telescopes. Other mythological figures include a winged Father Time (upper right, holding a scythe) and sun god, Apollo in his chariot. On the verso, a light-hearted take on the astrological theme depicts winged putti playing with scientific apparatus.

The Fan Museum

London

Title

Allegory of Science and Astronomy

Date

c.1780

Medium

tortoiseshell, gouache & watercolour on paper with sequins

Measurements

H 26 x W (?) cm

Accession number

HA1831

Acquisition method

purchased privately by the owner, Mrs H. E. Alexander

Work type

Watercolour

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The Fan Museum

12 Crooms Hill, London, Greater London SE10 8ER England

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