Tycho Brahe Line Engraving Portrait (1688), Wellcome Collection

What it is

This 1688 line engraving portrays Tycho Brahe wearing a dark plumed hat, a ruffled collar, a dark coat, and a beaded necklace with a small animal-shaped pendant. A script caption below names him. It is held by the Wellcome Collection.

Why it matters

Made almost a century after Tycho Brahe's death, this engraving reflects the continuing interest in his life and work as one of the most important astronomers of his era. Such portraits helped keep his image and reputation alive among later scientific communities.

Look closer

• What similarities and differences can you spot between this and other engraved portraits of Tycho?
• Why do you think so many versions of his portrait were made over the centuries?
• What might the small pendant on his necklace represent?