Jean-Baptiste FORTIN (1750-1831) & MESSIER (1730-1817) Celestial... Lot 169

Jean-Baptiste FORTIN (1750-1831) & MESSIER (1730-1817) Celestial globe, the equatorial table rests on four baluster feet, joined by a galette to support the sphere. Graduated brass meridian circle. 2 cartridges indicate : - Paris. FORTIN, engineer and mechanic of the king for globes and spheres, rue de la harpe, 1780 - celestial globe with the position of the stars reduced to the year 1800 by M. MESSIER astronomer of the navy, of the royal academy of sciences France, late 18th century H. 59 cm Diam. 30 cm (restorations of use) In 1778 Fortin bought the workshop of Robert de Vaugondy which was taken over by C.F Delamarche in 1795. Rare by its size, this sphere highlights the different associations of globe makers at the end of the 18th century.