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Celestial mechanics, medieval artwork
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Celestial mechanics, medieval artwork
Celestial mechanics. Coloured historical artwork depicting a medieval pilgrim looking out from the sky (blue) to see the mechanics of the heavens (upper left). Cogs (yellow) can be seen in the left corner, with tracks that the Sun, moon and stars move along. This is an example of the classical geocentric (Ptolemaic) worldview that dates back to Ancient Greek times. It was replaced by the heliocentric (Copernican) model, proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus in 1543. This woodcut is from The Atmosphere by Camille Flammarion, published in 1873
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Media ID 6468943
© DETLEV VAN RAVENSWAAY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1870s 1873 Astronomer Camille Flammarion Celestial Celestial Sphere Classical Cogs Cosmic Cosmological Cosmology Discovering Engraving Finding Heavens Historical Artwork History Of Science Mechanics Mediaeval Medieval Middle Ages Missionary Moon Motion Natural Philosophy Paths Ptolemaic Star The Atmosphere Tracks Universe Wood Cut Pilgrim
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This print showcases a mesmerizing piece of medieval artwork known as "Celestial mechanics". The colored historical illustration transports us back in time, depicting a curious pilgrim gazing out from the sky into the mechanics of the heavens. In the upper left corner, we can observe an intricate depiction of cogs and tracks that symbolize the movement of celestial bodies such as the Sun, moon, and stars. This remarkable artwork represents the classical geocentric worldview prevalent during medieval times. Dating back to Ancient Greek civilization, this belief system held that Earth was at the center of the universe. However, it would later be replaced by Nicolaus Copernicus' heliocentric model proposed in 1543. The woodcut featured here is taken from "The Atmosphere" by Camille Flammarion and was published in 1873. It beautifully captures both artistic skill and scientific curiosity prevalent during that era. As we delve into this image's details, we are transported to a time when natural philosophy intertwined with religious beliefs to explain cosmic phenomena. Through this artwork's lens, we witness a fusion between history and science—a testament to humanity's eternal quest for understanding our place within the vastness of space. This thought-provoking print invites us to ponder how our perception of celestial motion has evolved over centuries while appreciating its rich cultural significance throughout different eras.
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