For Nancy’s challenge this week I’ve chosen a scientific instrument from the Museo Galileo in Florence… The museum catalogue for this item reads: –
“This square-shaped instrument, made by Christoph Schissler, was used to measure time, distances, and heights. Calibrated for latitude 48°15′ (corresponding to Augsburg). There are, in fact, two horary quadrants, one with curved lines for unequal hours, the other with straight lines. Two adjacent sides carry the shadow square with several graduations. The opposite corner holds a pivoting vane fitted with viewer. The quadrant is fixed to a wooden stand, whose parts telescope to allow the instrument to be placed in its gold-tooled black leather box. Brought to Florence from Germany by Prince Mattias de’ Medici in the first half of the seventeenth century.” It was made in 1599.
Florence is a very beautiful city and an excellent place to visit but can be very hot in mid-summer. It can also be expensive with tourist taxes added to many things especially currency conversions. It does seem that the taxes are being used to maintain the historic architecture which we as tourists are wearing out 😉 Hope you get to visit someday 🙂
Oh, I didn’t know about the tourist taxes – thanks for the warning! 😉 If they are indeed used for maintenance work then I’m all for it! But some small voice insists that it probably lands in a politician’s pocket. 😂
The museum catalogue for this item reads: –
Images from Finchley 
Fascinating!
The Museo Galileo is well worth a visit – it’s full of fascinating objects! And it doesn’t get anywhere near as busy as the Uffizi Gallery next door 🙂
I would absolutely read more of your visit there!
This is truly beautiful!
Thank you 🙂
It’s like a working work of art.
It’s beautifully made isn’t it 🙂
Dream of going to Florence one day! Wonderful shot – the gold radiates a beautiful warm color!
Florence is a very beautiful city and an excellent place to visit but can be very hot in mid-summer. It can also be expensive with tourist taxes added to many things especially currency conversions. It does seem that the taxes are being used to maintain the historic architecture which we as tourists are wearing out 😉 Hope you get to visit someday 🙂
Oh, I didn’t know about the tourist taxes – thanks for the warning! 😉 If they are indeed used for maintenance work then I’m all for it! But some small voice insists that it probably lands in a politician’s pocket. 😂
I find navigation instruments so fascinating. This one is fascinating and beautiful. Thanks for joining the challenge!
Glad you liked it Nancy 🙂 One of those shots where correcting for the artificial lighting would have ruined the effect 😉