Carved stone sundial supported by angels
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
late 15th century
This late 15th-century sundial is a carved stone object of French origin. The dial itself consists of a stone disc with the upper section removed, featuring a scalloped border and a central star-shaped device.
The original gnomon is missing. The dial is supported at the base by two kneeling angels, whose wings hold the dial aloft while they collectively support a heraldic shield between them. The shield is depicted with a chevron and a chief featuring a mullet in the dexter canton. While the current numeral arrangement on the dial perimeter spans 5 am to 7 pm, evidence suggests these markings were incised at a later date, specifically for horizontal use in London, deviating from an implied original vertical orientation.
Indecipherable traces of original painted numerals remain on the surface. The object stands 76.2 cm high and measures 71.12 cm wide.
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
- late 15th century
- Type
- Sundial
- Materials
- Carved stone
- Dimensions
- Height: 76.2 cm; Width: 71.12 cm
- Object type
- Sundial
- Place recorded
- France
- Place of origin
- France
- Inscription layout
- 5 am to 7 pm
Design
- Visible features
- • Missing gnomon device • Two kneeling angels holding a heraldic shield • Star shaped device located in the center of the dial disc • Scalloped border along the top edge of the dial
- Construction and Design
- The sundial is constructed from carved stone and is supported by two kneeling angels. The angels are depicted kneeling on a base, with their wings extended upwards to support the dial disc. Between the two figures, they grasp a heraldic shield, which is detailed with a chevron and a chief that includes a mullet in the dexter canton. The upper portion of the stone disc is cut away, creating an incomplete circular face. The border of the dial is finished with a scalloped edge, and the center features a star-shaped carving where the original gnomon was once positioned.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The object is held in the museum collection under the accession number 476-1905. The object was provided to the collection through the contribution of J. H. Fitzhenry, Esq. The records categorize the object as having been made in northern France during the late 15th century. The object is documented in internal museum registers which confirm the accession details and the general dating provided in the collection records.
- Numerical Markings and Alterations
- The dial is inscribed with numbers along its perimeter, representing the hours from 5 am to 7 pm. Analysis suggests that these specific incisions were not original to the dial's primary creation. The configuration of these numerals indicates they were intended for horizontal use specifically within the London area. If the dial had been used in its presumed original vertical orientation, the numbering would have followed a different layout. Beyond the incised numbers, there are faint, undecipherable traces of painted numerals, which may represent the original configuration of the timepiece before the later modifications were applied.
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: The exact origin of the painted numeral traces is undecipherable
- Research required: The primary purpose of the heraldic shield remains unidentified