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Portrait, Science, Astronomy, Tycho Brahe, Antique Poster, Czech, 20th Century

$900

Vladimír Stříbrný (1905-1970) (after)
Rudolf II and Tycho Brahe
Czechoslovakia: Mid 20th Century
Chromolithograph poster mounted on linen with wood supports
34.75 x 23.25 inches, image
37.25 x 26 inches, overall
$900

Poster depicting a meeting in Prague between the great astronomer Tycho Brahe (1546-1601) and Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II (1552-1612), who was Brahe’s patron during the last few years of his life.  Brahe is shown standing with calipers in one hand, pointing to a globe with the other hand. Two large astronomical instruments are in the room, one in front of a window through which is shown the night sky with stars. The publication information in the lower margin of the print indicates that it was part of series of pictures illustrating notable events from Czech history. It was probably intended for classroom use.

Product description continues below.

Description

Tycho Brahe was a Danish astronomer who played a significant role in advancing the science, through his work in developing astronomical instruments and in measuring and determining accurate positions of more than 777 stars, before the invention of the telescope. He studied law at the University of Copenhagen as a young man, but became fascinated by astronomy. Realizing that current astronomical tables contained many inaccuracies, in 1563 he decided to devote his life to making accurate observations. He traveled and studied widely in Europe. Returning to Denmark, his first major observation, in 1572, was the discovery of a new star in Cassiopeia. In 1576, King Frederick II of Denmark provided financial support and land for an observatory and laboratory, which became a major European center of astronomical study and discovery and did produce more accurate astronomical observations and predictions. After Frederick’s death in 1588, royal support for Brahe’s endeavors dwindled. Seeking opportunity elsewhere, in 1599, he moved to Prague under the patronage of Emperor Rudolf II. Although he died in 1601, his stay in Prague was significant in that he mentored Johannes Kepler and left him all his observational data. With Brahe’s data, Kepler became an important figure in the development of modern astronomy, laying the groundwork for the work of Sir Isaac Newton.

Vladimír Stříbrný was a Czech painter of genre scenes, still lifes, portraits, and female nudes in an academic, realist style. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague. He had a one person exhibition at the Topič salon in Prague, and exhibited regularly throughout the 1940s and ’50s in what was then called Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic). He was an active member of the Union of Fine Artists in Prague. His work has been included in numerous posthumous exhibitions.

Full publication information: České historické obrazy, čís. 23. V. Stříbrný: Rudolf II, a Tycho de Brahe. Publikace č. 782. [Czech historical pictures, number 23. V. Stribrny: Rudolf II and Tycho Brahe. Publications number 782.]

Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall light toning and wear associated with a separately issued poster.

References:

Eggen, Olin Jeuck. “Tycho Brahe.” Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2018. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tycho-Brahe-Danish-astronomer (16 April 2018).

“Stříbrný Vladimír.” Informační systém abART. 2005-2006. http://abart-full.artarchiv.cz/osoby.php?Fvazba=osobavdokumentech&IDosoby=6627 (16 April 2018).

“Vladimír Stříbrný.” Auction Galerie Platýz. 2011-2018. https://www.galerieplatyz.cz/autori/vladimir-stribrny (16 April 2018).

Additional information

Century

19th Century