Le Sphere du Monde
Oronce Fine (1494-1555), expert in medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and map-making, completed his Le sphere du monde in 1549 as an illustrated presentation manuscript for King Henry II of France. Fine was a French mathematician and astronomer who served as the Chair of Mathematics at the Collége Royal from 1531 until the time of his death.
This gorgeous woodcut from his De mundi sphaera illuminates what was, at that time, the current understanding of the solar system. Notice how the positions of the Sun and Earth are switched, with the central Earth ringed by a sphere of air, then fire. We love the outer "Firmament," with it's gold stars against a deep space of cobalt.
In the potichomania process, the glass acts as both a foundation and protective finish, saving the step of varnishing. The original intent was to recreate Greek and Etruscan vases by simulating rare and expensive Sevrés porcelain.
©2018 Why Girls Go Astray. All rights reserved.
Details
This tray measures approximately 10x10 inches. The relative thinness of the tray – just over 1/8” thick – belies the complexity of the potichomania process. Each of our trays is comprised of a glass tray, three layers of 28# paper, four coatings of varnish, and finished with two coats, each of paint and clear acrylic spray. We’ve added a high-quality felt pad on the bottom in order to protect your home surfaces.
Care: Please spray with a gentle glass cleanser and wipe clean. Do not submerge in water. For decorative purposes only.
©Why Girls Go Astray. All rights reserved.