Astronomer with Armillary Sphere  

Description

The mysterious portrait was identified as an astronomer because of the armillary sphere (three-dimensional model of the cosmos) that the sitter carries in his left hand. The symbolism of this depiction is difficult to decipher. The red-bound book and the laurel branches perhaps refer to the fame of a scholar, a professor of astronomy – an impression confirmed by the black coat with ermine sleeves. The meaning of the bird flying into the sky and especially that of the carved inscription on the parapet with the Greek word "epighinomenois", which means "the descendant", is uncertain. The Latin numerals "XI VIII", assuming that "XLVIII" is meant, i.e. 48, could determine the age of the man. A reflection of light hits the circular lamella of the armillary sphere exactly between the zodiac signs Leo (LEO) and Virgo (VIRGO); he may be referring to a birth prophecy of the astronomer in August.

Extracted text

On the ecliptic of the armillary sphere: CANCER VIRGO SCORPIO LEO LIBRA SAG(ITTARIVS)

On the parapet under the Greek inscription: AN XI VIII