Navigation c. 1590 - 1596

3d sculpting

3d model

3d printed part

rounded shape

plastic material rendering

sculptural image

curved arc

unrealistic statue

3d shape

metallic object render

"Navigation" is a pair of dividers from the late 16th century, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The instrument, made of metal with a brass screw in the center, would have been used for drawing circles and measuring distances, an essential tool for both artists and artisans during the Renaissance. Its small size suggests it may have been used in detail work, like map-making or architectural drawings, demonstrating the crucial role of precise measurement in these fields.

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rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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To determine the ship’s position and chart its course, the captain had an entire arsenal of instruments at his disposal. Among the items found on Nova Zembla are an astrolabium catholicum (universal astrolabe), a fragment of a copper sounding line, a cross staff, a sextant and a chart compass.