MusEYEum Online Catalogue

The Astrologer
REPRODUCTION IMAGES COLLECTION
print
British Optical Association; Dioptric Review; Vliet, Jan Joris van der
Europe: United Kingdom, England, London, W1
December 1934
paper; card; wood; glass
overall (frame): 294 mm x 242 mm; visible image: 190 mm x 141 mm

20th century reproduction of a 17th c. engraving, as printed on the British Optical Association's own press and supplied to members with copies of the Dioptric Review under the caption 'The Astrologer. An engraving, drawn in 1634, by an unknown Dutch artist [actually now known to be Jan Joris van der Vliet] showing the astronomer at work with his globe. Nose spectacles of the kind depicted here were worn during the 16th and 17th centuries. They took the place of the primitive kind with rivetted bridge which were too apt to fall off. The large round lenses were set in a single piece of leather or horn, with fishbone occasionally inserted in the bridge to form a spring'. Mounted with maroon card, housed in an early 21st century red wood and glazed frame with internal gilt surround.

2023.311

Gift of Mr Graeme Holland, 2021