Theories of the Planets and Models of the Universe

The structure of the universe has been investigated since most ancient times, giving rise to impassioned discussion. Astronomers often made models recreating the universe as they conceived it, such as the so-called “theories of the planets” showing the planetary motion. This exhibition features four wonderful armillary spheres usually housed at the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana in Florence. They respectively represent the spheres of the Sun and the Moon, Mercury, Venus, and the “superior planets,” that is Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. In the 16th century the Florentine architect and astronomer Antonio Lupicini was commissioned by Cosimo I de’ Medici to make these models. The figures supporting the spheres are the work of the sculptor Valerio Cioli.

Exhibition Dates