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Ptolemy, Greek-Egyptian astronomer
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Ptolemy, Greek-Egyptian astronomer
Ptolemy, Greek-Egyptian astronomer. This woodcut was made by Albrecht Durer (1471-4582) in 1515. Ptolemy (Claudius Ptolemaeus, AD90-170) wrote four major books, the most influential being Almagest. In this work he collated over 500 years of Greek astronomical thinking. Almagest lays out the universe with the Earth at its centre and all bodies revolving around it. This view persisted until Copernicus theories some 1300 years later. Ptolemys other books were concerned with geography and cartography, optics and astrology. These too remained important scientific texts until the scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries. Taken from The Complete Woodcuts of Albrecht Durer by Dr Willi Kurth 1936
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1500s 1515 16th Century Albrecht Durer Ancient Greece Astrological Astrology Astronomer Classical Cosmological Cosmology Cosmos Dr Willi Kurth Earth Science Globe Holding Ptolemy Renaissance Sciences Scientist Wise Wood Cut Writer Almagest Classical Civilization Claudius Ptolemaeus Learned
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This woodcut print by Albrecht Durer showcases the renowned Greek-Egyptian astronomer, Ptolemy. Crafted in 1515, this artwork beautifully captures the essence of a man whose contributions to astronomy and other scientific disciplines have left an indelible mark on history. Ptolemy's most influential work, Almagest, revolutionized our understanding of the universe during his time. Collating centuries of Greek astronomical knowledge, he presented a model where Earth stood at the center while celestial bodies orbited around it. This geocentric view persisted for over a millennium until Copernicus challenged it with his heliocentric theories. Beyond astronomy, Ptolemy delved into various subjects such as geography, cartography, optics, and astrology. His writings remained vital scientific texts until the transformative scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries. In this woodcut illustration, we see Ptolemy holding a globe—a symbol of his profound understanding of cosmology. The image exudes wisdom and classical elegance as he stands amidst an ancient backdrop reminiscent of Classical Greece. Dr Willi Kurth's book "The Complete Woodcuts of Albrecht Durer" preserves this historical masterpiece that embodies both artistry and scholarly pursuit. It serves as a testament to Ptolemy's enduring legacy within human exploration and our quest to comprehend the vastness of space. This remarkable depiction transports us back to an era when great minds like Ptolemy shaped our understanding of the cosmos—an invaluable glimpse into classical civilization's intellectual prowess.
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