Planetarium 1759

Nicolaas van Frankendaal made this print of a planetarium sometime in the 18th century. The image shows the detailed workings of a mechanical model, probably made of brass, wood, and glass. Look closely, and you'll see the precision of the engraving, which captures both the design and function of the object. Each component, from the sun and planets to the gears and mechanisms, is carefully rendered, celebrating the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its making. This print speaks to the intersection of science, craft, and commerce in the 1700s. While science provided new understandings of the universe, skilled artisans translated these into tangible forms. Planetariums like this would have been prized possessions, embodying both scientific knowledge and refined taste. The amount of work involved in designing and building these objects was considerable. The print itself served as a form of documentation and promotion, making the planetarium accessible to a wider audience. It reminds us that even in the age of science, the touch of the artisan remained essential, mediating between abstract ideas and the material world.