A catalog of old globes in Spanish public collections

TL;DR

This paper catalogs over two hundred historical globes, armillary spheres, and orreries in Spanish public collections, highlighting notable examples and their origins from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Contribution

First comprehensive catalog of pre-1900 globes and related instruments in Spanish public institutions, including notable and rare pieces with detailed descriptions.

Findings

Most globes are of English or French origin.

Spain preserves around two hundred historical globes.

Notable examples include an early metallic globe and a mysterious celestial manuscript globe.

Abstract

This paper presents the first catalog of celestial and terrestrial globes, as well as armillary spheres and orreries, produced before 1900 and preserved in Spanish public institutions. Most globes have an English or French origin, predominantly from the late 18th or 19th centuries. We highlight a few outstanding examples, including an early metallic terrestrial globe, a mysterious blue celestial manuscript globe, the oldest preserved Spanish printed globe, and some interesting clockwork pieces. While Spain has not been a major producer of globes, it does preserve around two hundred historical globes in public collections, including several remarkable pieces.