Astronomical Compendium, 1481
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1481
This astronomical compendium, a gilt brass instrument measuring 68 x 66 x 17 mm, is attributed to Hans Dorn, who practiced in Buda during the late 15th century.
Dated 1481, it comprises a square box with a hinged cover. The instrument integrates multiple timekeeping and astronomical functions, including a zodiacal calendar, a lunar volvelle with an aperture for moon phases, and an aspectarium for trine, quadrature, and sextile indications. A universal equinoctial sundial features a folding hour ring with an associated latitude scale for degrees 20 to 60. The reverse side of the cover lists latitudes for 26 geographical locations.
Internally, the instrument contains a compass with an offset arrow for magnetic variation and a base plate configured as an unfinished quadrant. The construction utilizes Gothic numeral forms for the various scales and tables, with relief-engraved scrollwork surrounding the sundial's hour ring.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1481
- Type
- Central European astronomical compendium
- Maker
- Hans Dorn
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Dimensions
- 68 x 66 x 17 mm
- Inscription
- AVE MARIA 1481
- Latitude list
- 26 locations
- Place recorded
- Budapest
- Compass diameter
- 24 mm
- Compass markings
- 16 directions
- Maker / attribution
- Hans Dorn
Design
- Visible features
- • Relief-engraved scrollwork on the hour ring • Gothic numeral style used for scales • Latitude list on the inner cover face • Compass bowl with 16 directional indicators
- Timekeeping and Orientation
- The equinoctial dial serves as a universal indicator for equal hour time within a latitude range of 20 to 60 degrees. The hour ring is inscribed with 1 to 12 sequences, though the nocturnal hours of 10 pm to 2 am are replaced by a zodiac scale to facilitate reading Italian hours via a sliding ring. This sliding ring incorporates a cross piece and a cylindrical holder intended for a removable gnomon, which is currently absent from the instrument. A magnetic compass is integrated into the base plate, featuring a bowl 24 mm in diameter with an offset arrow to indicate magnetic variation. While the needle is missing, the surrounding bowl displays 16 directional markings with cardinal points abbreviated as 'S', 'RO', 'M', and 'CO'. Beneath the plate sits an unfinished quadrant with straight hour lines, while the removable base reveals an internal wooden block that supports the mechanical components.
- Attribution and Inscriptions
- Although the instrument lacks a maker's signature, it is attributed to Hans Dorn, an instrument maker active in Buda from the late 1460s until the late 1480s. The piece is notable for its consistent use of Gothic numerals, particularly the distinct forms for 4, 5, and 7. Integrated into the scrollwork decoration is the pious inscription 'AVE MARIA 1481', which establishes the object's completion date. Comparisons are drawn to a quadrant from 1438 in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, which shares a similar layout regarding the zodiac-calendar scale and lunar volvelle. The construction reflects early developments in compact astronomical instruments, although certain elements, such as the folding support strut, appear to be non-original replacements.
- Instrument Layout and Functions
- The compendium is housed in a square gilt brass box with a hinged cover. The exterior of the cover features a zodiac-calendar scale and a dual-layer lunar volvelle. The zodiac scale is divided into segments named in Latin, while the volvelle allows for tracking the age of the moon and observing lunar phases through a circular aperture, which reveals a faintly engraved face. An aspectarium on the upper volvelle uses numerical markers to represent trine, quadrature, and sextile alignments. The internal face of the hinged cover contains a list of latitudes for 26 regional locations, such as 'HIBERNIA' and 'SCHOTLANT'. Attached to the same hinge mechanism is the equinoctial ring dial, which is supported by a folding strut that engages with a latitude scale on the base plate. The hour ring itself is decorated with relief-engraved scrollwork and includes a zodiac scale, intended for use with a sliding ring for reading Italian hours.
Identification
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Folding strut for hour ring may be a replacement
- Research required: Gnomon for the equinoctial dial is missing
- Research required: Magnetic compass needle is missing