Planetary clock from the Sainte-Geneviève library

Futur project of CHRONOSPEDIA

The planetary Clock from the Sainte-Geneviève Library, dating from the late 15th century, is one of only four still in existence today. It was modified between 1546 and 1553 by Oronce Finé, who presented it to Cardinal Charles de Lorraine, Archbishop of Reims.

A project is planned to create a 3D model of the clock and to promote it through various outreach and communication initiatives. This 3D digitization will illustrate the clock’s various states throughout its history and the successive modifications it has undergone. The project will also provide an opportunity to refurbish, or even restore, the clock.
 

Oronce Finé’s Clock from the Sainte-Geneviève Library

The clock in the Sainte-Geneviève Library (the so-called ‘Oronce Finé’ planetary clock), made in southern Germany around 1500 (https://www.patrimoine-horloge.fr/as-paris-genevieve.html), is undoubtedly one of the treasures held by the library. This work is of immense interest to the history of science and technology. On its sumptuously decorated dials, it purports to display, in real time, the orbits of the seven planets with all the subtleties of their movements.

This late 15th-century planetary clock is one of only four still in existence in the world today. It was modified between 1546 and 1553 by Oronce Finé, who presented it to Cardinal Charles de Lorraine, Archbishop of Reims. The dials were then arranged in a pentagonal formation and a dial known as the ‘astrolabe’ was added, enabling the identification of the current astrological house. The dials correspond to the seven ‘planets’ known at the time (the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn), the astrolabe, the hours, and the lunar nodes (known as the Dragon’s Head and Tail), which were used to determine eclipses. The decoration painted on copper dates from the 16th century. Above the clock, a rotating copper globe represents the celestial sphere. The gilded and carved wooden pedestal dates from the early 17th century.

This object was listed as a historic monument on 27 October 1944 (ref. Palissy PM75001627).

Over the course of its long history spanning almost half a millennium, this clock has undergone several transformations. The most recent of these was its electrification in the 20th century, which has made it difficult to move but ensures it remains in constant operation. As it is inaccessible to the general public, it unfortunately remains little known, even within the clockmaking community.

Recent and ongoing developments in digital technology make it possible to envisage making this unique object accessible, at least virtually.
Given that the library building will be undergoing renovation in 2027 and 2028, an ambitious project envisages the 3D modelling of the clock, as well as its promotion through various outreach and communication initiatives.
The 3D scan will show the clock’s various states throughout its history and the successive modifications it has undergone. A film will explain these developments, as well as how the various mechanisms work. 

If you would like to contribute financially to this project, please contact Mr K Protassov

konstantin.protassov@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr

Your donation may be tax-deductible.