Armillary sphere. France, XIX century.

Armillary sphere. France, XIX century.
Wood, metal and applied lithographs.
Measurements: 40 x 21 x 21 cm.

Interesting French armillary sphere from the 19th century, in wood and metal, with bands decorated with lithographic prints of astronomical and zodiacal themes.

The structure is composed of concentric rings representing the main celestial circles, organized around a central axis with terrestrial sphere. The bands show inscriptions in French, including "Étoiles fixes" and "Colure des équinoxes", as well as the months of the year and representations of the signs of the zodiac, integrating didactic function and decorative value.

This type of instruments, heirs of the scientific models of the 18th century, became popular in the 19th century both in pedagogical contexts and in bourgeois interiors, where armillary spheres symbolized knowledge, progress and intellectual refinement.

Beyond its function, the piece constitutes an elegant cabinet object.