Astronomical Compendium

This case contains a set of nautical and topographical instruments, as is known as 'Astronomical Compendium of Felipe II'. It was created in 1596 by Tobias Volckhmer (1560-1624), a prestigious German goldsmith, mathematician and cosmographer and has the following inscription: 'THOBIAS VOLCKHMER BRAVNSWEIGSENSIS FACIEBAT ANNO CHRISTI 1596'.

The collection epitomises the interest in scientific instruments during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Other examples were made by goldsmiths such as Pierre Du Jardin and Erasmus Habermel.

The case captures all available astronomical knowledge of the period. The upper leaf depicts the northern hemisphere as orthographic projection (equatorial aspect). It also shows maritime regions decorated with vessels and sea monsters. The southern hemisphere is engraved on the back of the leaf with a sundial, a compass showing the main routes, an astrolabe and two calendars. The exterior corners are enameled and decorated with depictions of the four elements - ignis, aer, terra and aqua (fire, air, earth and water).