I came across this portrait of Ptolomy who is holding up a device that is similar to the arrangement of nymphs around the central Zodiac-like images in the manuscript. It is from a book published in 1501 in Venice and is available online You are not allowed to view links.
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I am always on the lookout for this kind of layout in manuscripts, in hopes of some explanation of why the nymphs are arranged in that manner. I do acknowledge that there are more than 30 openings in this device, but I still think it could be applicable. Could this possibility be some sort of see-through frame that is held up, where the focus is the center and the outer rings openings allow compartmentalization of associated stars?
I was able to find his portrait with a wide variety of astronomical devices (divider (compass), T-square, quadrant, armillary sphere, etc.) including even some iconographic descriptions of portraits You are not allowed to view links.
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Login to view. although in neither is he holding or associated with the mystery device. A couple of more mushy ones has him holding up a round "thing" but none of them were see-through or obviously highly subdivided.
Could it maybe be this thing (but obviously much simplified here) in the bottom center of this portrait of astronomers? Unfortunately the iconographic discussion You are not allowed to view links.
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Login to view. does not seem to identify what that thing is. Okay -- never mind -- this is definitely a mariner's astrolabe, as discussed You are not allowed to view links.
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Login to view. and it is not the same.
Any thoughts or identifications? I appreciate any insights.