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Father Christopher Clavius entered the Jesuit Order at age 17 where he was received by St. Ignatius Loyola into the Order and sent to the University of Cumbria (Portugal) for studies where he began a lifelong interest in astronomy and mathematics. Clavius completed his studies in Rome and in 1567 and was appointed to the faculty of the Roman College, holding a position in mathematics until 1595. Father Clavius compiled many works on mathematics and astronomy and was known as "the Euclid of the Sixteenth Century." Clavius contributed to the commission that led to the new Gregorian Calendar issued in 1582 and is sometimes designated as its architect. He corresponded with leading European scientists and studied new trends in mathematics and astronomy by Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo. One of the larger Moon craters bears his name (Crater Clavius). Father Clavius died in Rome on 12 February 1612. The 4th centenary of the death of Father Christopher Clavius (1538-1612) is commemorated on a €1,60 stamp. The black and white design depicts Clavius seated at a desk and table which is piled with manuscripts. Mathematical and astronomical instruments are found on the deck and wall. Incorporated into the design is IHS (the letters for Christ in Greek) and the papal coat of arms as well as MDCXII-MMXII (1612-2012). REFERENCE: Technical Details: Scott Catalogue - 1494 - 1494 Date Issued - 01 March 2012 Face Value - €1,60 Perforations - 14.3x14.3 Printing Process - Offset Printer - Printex (Malta) Max Printed - 300,000 |
| (Source - Vatican Notes: Volume: 60 Issue: 352 Page: 4-6) |
