Astrolabium, Jan Collaert II, 1580-1605 (c.)

Plate 18: amerigo vespucci discovering the southern cross with an astrolabium; on a starry night, amerigo vespucci, seen at centre holding an astrolabe up, towards a cross formed by four stars; another astrolabe and various objects spread out on a desk near him; to left, a large cartouche with inscriptions in latin and italian and an effigy of dante; in the background, to right, a sailing ship engraving. Date: 1580-1605 (c.). Dimensions: Height: 199 mm; Width: 279 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Luigi Alamanni. Collection: British Museum. Astrolabium (BM 1907,1121.5)