Circles, Spheres and Globes: Models of the Universe as Depicted in Art

The concept of circles and spheres in cosmology was established in ancient times, in both the Graeco-Roman and Judaeo-Christian traditions. Such views appear to have laid the foundation for terrestrial and celestial images based on the circle or sphere. Interpretations and explanations of the shape of the universe and of our own planet have long been reflected in art, but as well as two dimensional artworks being used to depict planet earth or the universe, actual globes have also been used to demonstrate the shape of the earth and heavens from ancient times. The modern globe as we know it has been popular from the late fifteenth century, the oldest surviving terrestrial globe being the Erdapfel (‘Earth Apple’) of Martin Behaim 1492. Their popularity is witnessed not only by surviving celestial and terrestrial globes, but also by the subsequent depiction of globes in paintings. This demonstrates the significance of globes in the promotion of the ‘new learning’ and world view during the Renaissance, whether cosmological or earthbound. By looking at globes and spheres in art works, it will be seen that geographical, political and educational aspects are crucial, as well as scientific ones. Like the globes themselves, their inclusion in artworks reflects their importance in the context of the age and culture in which each was produced.