Giovanni Cassini (1625-1712, left), Italian mathematician and astronomer, being introduced to King Louis XIV of France (1638-1715, right) by the Frenc

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Giovanni Cassini (1625-1712, left), Italian mathematician and astronomer, being introduced to King Louis XIV of France (1638-1715, right) by the French minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert (1619-1683, centre). Cassini was appointed director of the Paris Observatory, which was funded by the King with the intention of extending France's maritime power and international trade. As Director of the Observatory, Cassini added greatly to the existing knowledge of the Solar System.

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Size: 3778px × 4665px
Photo credit: © SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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