Home > Science > Scientists
Galileos tomb, Florence, Italy
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Galileos tomb, Florence, Italy
Galileos tomb, in the Santa Croce Basilica, Florence, Italy. Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) was an Italian astronomer and physicist who is famed for his early telescope designs and observations. This statue, part of the larger monument marking his tomb, shows him holding a telescope in one hand, with the other hand on a globe. In 1610, he discovered the four largest moons of Jupiter. In cosmology, he supported the Copernican theory that the Sun, rather than the Earth, was at the centre of the solar system. This heliocentric system is inscribed on the green marble at lower centre. The Roman Catholic Church declared this heretical in 1633, and he was held under house arrest until his death. Initially buried in a side room, it was not until 1737 that he was reburied in the main area of the church and honoured by this monument
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6415071
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1500s 1600s 16th Century 1700s 17th Century 18th Century Astronomer Buried Church Death Enlightenment Florence Galileo Galilei Grave Heliocentric History Of Science Italian Italy Jupiter Marble Memorial Monument Moons Physicist Portraits Renaissance Scientist Sculpted Solar System Statue Statues Stone Surname G Telescope Tomb Honour Physical Santa Croce Basilica
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Science
> Scientists
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the grandeur of Galileo's tomb, located in the Santa Croce Basilica in Florence, Italy. Galileo Galilei, a renowned Italian astronomer and physicist of the 16th and 17th centuries, is immortalized by this magnificent statue that forms part of his memorial. The sculpture depicts Galileo holding a telescope in one hand while placing the other on a globe, symbolizing his groundbreaking contributions to astronomy. Galileo's discoveries were revolutionary for their time. In 1610, he observed and documented the four largest moons of Jupiter using his innovative telescope designs. Additionally, he championed the Copernican theory that placed the Sun at the center of our solar system instead of Earth—a notion inscribed on green marble beneath him. However, these progressive ideas clashed with prevailing religious beliefs. The Roman Catholic Church deemed them heretical in 1633 and subjected Galileo to house arrest until his death. Initially buried in an inconspicuous side room, it was not until 1737 that he received proper recognition when reburied within the main area of Santa Croce Basilica. This print transports us back to a pivotal period where scientific enlightenment battled against dogma and tradition. It serves as a powerful reminder of Galileo's enduring legacy as both an esteemed scientist and courageous advocate for truth.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.