17th-Century 'Supercomputer' Astrolabe Poised for Record Auction Price
Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- An astrolabe from the 17th century, described as the "smartphone of its time," is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's in London.
- The instrument, which determined time and direction, is expected to fetch a record price of up to 33 million Swedish kronor (approximately $3.1 million USD).
- This particular astrolabe is exceptionally large and detailed, featuring inscriptions in Persian and Sanskrit and mapping 94 cities.
A remarkable artifact from the 17th century, an astrolabe once belonging to Indian royalty, is poised to make history at Sotheby's in London. Dubbed the "smartphone of its time," this intricate brass instrument, used for celestial navigation and timekeeping, is expected to shatter previous records for astrolabes, with an estimated sale price of up to 33 million Swedish kronor.
1600-talets smartphone
Benedict Carter, head of Islamic and Indian Art at Sotheby's, highlighted the astrolabe's impressive scale and historical significance. Weighing 8.2 kilograms and standing nearly half a meter tall, it dwarfs typical 17th-century astrolabes. Its provenance includes ownership by the Indian prince and diplomat Man Singh II and his wife, Maharani Gayatri Devi, adding to its allure for collectors.
Den väger 8,2 kilo, är nästan 30 centimeter i diameter och är cirka 46 centimeter hög
Federica Gigante of Oxford University's Centre for the History of, Technology, and Medicine likened astrolabes to modern smartphones due to their multifaceted capabilities. This specific astrolabe is particularly noteworthy for its detailed inscriptions in both Persian and Sanskrit, and its precise mapping of 94 cities, offering a unique window into the scientific and cultural knowledge of its era. The current record for an astrolabe stands just under 1 million pounds, making the potential sale of this piece a significant event in the world of historical artifacts.
Den väger 8,2 kilo, är nästan 30 centimeter i diameter och är cirka 46 centimeter hög
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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