Portrait of Cardinal Christopher Clavius 1606

This engraving by Francesco Villamena depicts Cardinal Christopher Clavius, a prominent Jesuit mathematician and astronomer. Created in 1606, it showcases Clavius’s scholarly pursuits through the depiction of astronomical instruments and books. The tools and books surrounding Clavius, such as the armillary sphere, compass, and bound volumes, emphasize his scientific endeavors and intellectual pursuits. The portrait’s realistic detail and the inclusion of these objects provide insight into the life and work of this influential figure in Renaissance science.