Rare 15th Century Astrolabe Fetches Over $600,000 Doubling Pre-Sale Expectations

In a surprising turn of events at Bonhams Important Instruments of Science and Technology Sale in London on April 24th, a remarkably rare 15th-century astrolabe soared past its pre-sale estimate, fetching an impressive £508,400 ($635,000).

Jon Baddeley, a specialist at Bonhams, expressed his astonishment at the outcome, stating, “This is one of the strongest results we’ve seen at auction at Bonhams Knightsbridge in the past decade.” Describing the astrolabe as an “early smartphone of sorts,” Baddeley emphasized its multifaceted utility, noting its significance in timekeeping, navigation, celestial observation, and even decision-making.

The star of the auction was the Important Regiomontanus/Cardinal Bessarion Astrolabe, which bears the inscription: “Under the protection of the divine Bessarion on whom all can be said to depend I arise in Rome the work of John 1462.” This historical artifact stands as a testament to the patronage between Johannes Bessarion, a Greek Cardinal, and Johann Müller, later known as Regiomontanus, a German humanist.

Bessarion, who rose to prominence as a Cardinal-priest in the 15th century, advocated for the reconciliation of the Greek and Roman churches and served as Patriarch of Constantinople from 1463. Müller, a student of astronomy at the University of Vienna, entered Bessarion’s circle in 1460 under the mentorship of renowned astronomer Georg Peurbach. The astrolabe showcased at the auction marked the beginning of their patronage relationship, fueled by a mutual passion for the humanities.

The significance of the Regiomontanus/Bessarion astrolabe extends beyond its rarity. As one of only five dated astrolabes of its type in existence, it serves as a tangible link to a pivotal period of scientific and spiritual transition in European culture. The astrolabe’s engravings, characterized by humanist Roman script with remnants of Gothic influence in its numerals and motifs, offer a glimpse into the artistic and intellectual landscape of the 15th century.

The auction, featuring 69 lots, exceeded expectations by achieving a total of £1,028,192, with 90% of the items finding buyers. The remarkable success of this auction underscores the enduring allure of historical artifacts and the continued relevance of scientific and technological instruments from centuries past.

Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in over 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. It is a global network of auction houses boasting the largest number of international salerooms and offering the broadest range of collecting categories, catering to all price points. Recognized for its bespoke service and dedication to fostering local market relationships, Bonhams enhances its global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams hosts over 1,000 sales annually, spanning more than 60 specialist categories such as fine art, collectibles, luxury items, wine & spirits, and collector cars.

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