Consider the two globes in the upper right section of the painting. What do you notice about the differences between them? Why do you think Bernaert may have positioned the globes the way he did?
Your Interpretation
Do you think Bernaert intended for the geographical and astrological globes to be cooperative or competitive? What might this say about his attitude towards the interaction between science and religion?
Translate text in books. Wax stick, letter opener, and papers all look on the verge of falling. What is the thin dark line between the clasped book and the tipped over roemer? Instrument is on its strings. Left globe shows pacific ocean. Right globes shows astrological figures. They look like they're pushed together, overlapping, possibly fighting for space. Table completely covered by blue/gold fabric--wealth?
