The globe represents the cartography of the Earth’s surface at the time of its construction. It is attached to the meridian circle which rests on the wooden base and is free to rotate. The meridian, on which degrees of elevation from the pole, climatic zones and day lengths are indicated, fits into the ecliptic which is supported by the base. The zodiac signs, months of the year, and the names of the winds and their directions are painted on the horizontal ecliptic circle.

Built by Rigobert Bonne, Engraver Lattré, Paris.

Restoration work by Andrea and Lucia Dori (L’Officina del Restauro, Florence) enabled careful study of the globe, which suggests that it is one of the earliest globes with diameters of a Parisian foot (32 cm) built by Rigobert Bonne.

Device on display.