Quadrans Horarum – Athanasius Kircher from Ars Magna Lucis et Umbrae – 17th century – Unisex T-shirt

Quadrans Horarum – Athanasius Kircher from Ars Magna Lucis et Umbrae – 17th century – ‘The Great Art of Light and Shadow’. Ars Magna Lucis et Umbrae (“The Great Art of Light and Shadow”) is a 1646 work by the Jesuit scholar Athanasius Kircher. Kircher dealt comprehensively with many different aspects of light, including physical, astronomical, astrological and metaphysical. He discussed phenomena such as fluorescence, phosphorescence and luminescence, optics and perspective. He also described pareidolia. The work deals first with the sun, moon, stars, comets, eclipses and planets. It also discusses phenomena related to light, such as optical illusions, colour, refraction, projection and distortion. The work includes one of the first scientific on phosphorescence and the luminosity of fireflies. He devoted much care to descriptions of instruments such as sundials, moondials and mirrors that make use of light. He had written extensively on these subjects in an earlier work, the Primitiae gnomoniciae catroptricae. Kircher also discussed the “magic lantern” – he is sometimes, incorrectly, credited with inventing this device. In the section “Cosmometria Gnomonica”, Kircher set out to show how, by measuring sunlight and shadow, it was possible to measure the universe itself. He estimated the depth of the earth’s atmosphere, the distance between the moon and the earth, the diameter of the sun and its distance from the earth. The book concludes with a verse: “Disperge has radiis animae fulgentibus umbras Ut tua sit mea lux lux mea sit tua lux” (“Disperse the shadows of the soul with splendid rays, so that your light be mine, and my light, yours.”)

All of our apparel is made and printed in the US.
• Direct to garment printed
• Printing is crisp and clear using water-based ecologically-friendly inks.
• Next Level brand super soft shirt that will not shrink after washing.
• Fitted sleeves

CARE INSTRUCTIONS: To ensure a long-lasting print, I recommend washing your shirt inside out and to either hang-dry or tumble-dry it. Avoid heat-drying. SHIPPING ESTIMATES: Shipping estimates vary by location, but expect processing to take 1-7 days. The your order will be shipped via USPS (in the US) or FedEx International. 4-7 days in the US 8-10 in Canada Up to 30 days to all other countries.