Astronomical Ring Dial by Antoine de Succa
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1600
This equinoctial sundial, dated 1600 and signed by Antoine de Succa in Antwerp, is constructed from gilt brass with a diameter of 158 mm. The instrument consists of three principal rings: a meridian ring, an equatorial ring, and a declination ring.
The meridian ring features an adjustable suspension ring and a latitude scale. The equatorial ring, divided for timekeeping, bears a Latin inscription detailing that the dial was created for Albert and Isabella, rulers of the Spanish Netherlands. A declination ring incorporates an adjustable pinhole that moves over a scale of months, while an external index shaped as a snake and arrow indicates the time. The instrument is decorated with engravings including a coronet, monogram, and burning hearts.
Its design follows the astronomical ring dial concept originated by Gemma Frisius, modified here primarily for the purpose of indicating time.
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
- 1600
- Type
- Flemish astronomical ring dial
- Maker
- Antoine de Succa
- Diameter
- 158 mm
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Place recorded
- Antwerp
- Place of Origin
- Antwerp
- Maker / attribution
- Antoine de Succa
Design
- Visible features
- • Equatorial ring is divided into hours 0 to 12 twice • Outer meridian ring has a latitude scale from 0 to 90 to 0 • Engraving of a symbolic pair of burning hearts on the declination ring • Index on the declination ring is formed as a snake and arrow
- Functional Mechanism
- The sundial utilizes an adjustable pinhole to cast light onto a target. This target is a pinhole located on the opposite side of the declination ring, near the intersection with the equatorial ring. The plate housing the adjustable pinhole moves within a slot in the declination ring to align with the declination scale. On the exterior of the declination ring, an index is marked as 'LINEA HORARIA', fashioned in the form of an engraved snake and arrow. This component serves as the indicator for reading the time on the equatorial ring. Furthermore, the rim of the equatorial ring is marked at two points with the phrase 'Ante Meridiem', and the meridian ring includes markings for the dates of the equinoxes.
- Construction and Design
- The instrument is comprised of three principal rings: the outermost meridian ring, an equatorial ring, and a declination ring. The meridian ring is equipped with an adjustable connection to a suspension ring, which allows it to be clamped at different points along its latitude scale, ranging from 0 to 90 to 0. The latitude scale is divided to 10, with further subdivisions to 5 and 1. The equatorial ring is divided into hours 0 to 12 twice, with the time subdivided to 20-minute and 4-minute intervals. A declination ring contains an adjustable pinhole that slides over a scale of months. This scale is distributed across both sides of the equatorial ring according to solar declination. When the rings are folded, the meridian and equatorial rings display an equivalent scale marked with the signs of the zodiac, each divided into six segments.
- Inscriptions and Decoration
- The equatorial ring features a detailed Latin inscription: 'ALBERTO . IMPERATORIS . FILIO . IMP : FRATRI [star] ISABELL? . PHILIPPI . REGIS. FILI? . PHIL : REGIS . SORORI . ?TERNVM . REGERE . IA . D . SVCCA'. This dedication references Albert and Isabella, daughter of Philip II, who were joint rulers of the Spanish Netherlands. Ornamentation on the declination ring includes various devices such as an eagle, the initial A, a monogram, and a pair of burning hearts. Additionally, the plate for the adjustable pinhole is decorated with depictions of the sun, moon, and stars. It bears the motto 'Simul et Semper' and a monogram of the letters 'A', 'B', 'I', 'C', and 'E', topped by a coronet.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 50526
- 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: The monogram of the letters 'A', 'B', 'I' (?), 'C' and 'E' is marked with a question mark in the source
- Research required: The ease of use and physical manipulation of the instrument are described as difficult