Engraving of Claudius Ptolemy (ad c100-170)

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Engraving of Claudius Ptolemy (ad c100-170)

Sixteenth century engraving of Claudius Ptolemy (AD c100-170), an Egyptian, or possibly Greek, astronomer, using a quadrant and being guided by the muse Astronomy. The Ptolemaic system held that the Earth was at the centre of the Universe and that the Sun and planets revolved about it. This view dominated astronomical thinking until it was unseated by Copernicus in 1543 in his work De Revolutionibus, in which he showed that the Earth revolved around the Sun. The engraving is from Margarita Philosophica by Gregor Reisch, published in 1508

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Media ID 6411510

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Astronomer Cosmologist Portraits Ptolemy Surname P Claudius

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a sixteenth-century engraving of the renowned Claudius Ptolemy, an Egyptian or possibly Greek astronomer. In this depiction, Ptolemy is seen utilizing a quadrant while being guided by the muse Astronomy herself. The image beautifully captures the essence of Ptolemy's significant contributions to astronomy and his influential role in shaping our understanding of the cosmos. Ptolemy's most notable achievement was his development of the Ptolemaic system, which proposed that Earth stood at the center of the Universe. According to this geocentric model, both the Sun and planets orbited around our planet. For centuries, this view held sway over astronomical thinking until it was eventually challenged by Copernicus in 1543 with his groundbreaking work De Revolutionibus. The engraving featured here originates from Margarita Philosophica, a publication by Gregor Reisch in 1508. It serves as a testament to Ptolemy's enduring legacy and influence on scientific thought during that era. As we gaze upon this remarkable print, we are reminded of how far humanity has come in unraveling the mysteries of our universe. From ancient beliefs rooted in Earth-centered cosmology to Copernican revolutionaries who dared to challenge convention – each step forward brings us closer to comprehending our place within this vast celestial tapestry.

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