Crucifix Dial by Adriaan Zeelst
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1588
This gilt brass crucifix dial, measuring 7 x 32 x 54 mm, is an instrument designed to tell time through solar measurement. Signed by Adriaan Zeelst and dated 1588, the device features a depiction of the Crucifixion on one side.
The cross arms are engraved with hour lines, symbols of the zodiacal signs used to indicate solar declination, and additional arabesque decoration. A brass index arm is included for the adjustment of latitude. The instrument is held in the collection of the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford. The exterior features scales for latitude and shadow, alongside an engraved coat of arms and the motto 'Nil admirari'. This portable instrument combines religious iconography with functional horological and cartographic scales for use across different geographic locations, reflecting the work of a maker known for technical treatises on the astrolabe.
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
- 1588
- Type
- Crucifix sundial
- Maker
- Adriaan Zeelst
- Location
- Louvain
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Signature
- A. Zeelsti faciebat Louanij
- Dimensions
- 7 x 32 x 54 mm
- Place recorded
- Louvain
- Maker / attribution
- Adriaan Zeelst
Design
- Visible features
- • Gilt brass construction • Features a Crucifixion illustration on the cross body • Equipped with a brass index arm for latitude adjustment • Includes an equal shadow scale and an unequal altitude scale
- Construction and Exterior
- The crucifix dial is constructed from gilt brass and measures 7 x 32 x 54 mm. One side of the cross presents a figurative illustration of the Crucifixion. The outer side displays decorative and functional elements, including an engraved coat of arms and the Latin motto 'Nil admirari', translating to 'nothing is to be desired'. The reverse side incorporates multiple scales for calculation. An equal scale marked 0 to 25 is present, labeled 'Partes umbrae', alongside an unequal altitude scale marked 10 to 70 labeled 'Gradus altitudinis'. Arabesque patterns further decorate the surfaces of the cross.
- Signature and Identification
- The instrument is explicitly attributed to Adriaan Zeelst. The signature 'A. Zeelsti faciebat Louanij' is found on the plate containing the list of latitudes. The object is catalogued by the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford under inventory number 49469. It is documented as a product of Louvain and remains dated to 1588, providing a precise point of origin for this specific piece.
- Horological and Latitude Scales
- Functionally, the instrument serves as a portable sundial. Hour lines and zodiacal symbols are engraved on the arms of the cross to indicate solar declination. The inner portion of the cross features an unequal scale of latitudes ranging from 0 to 80, explicitly identified as 'Gradus latitudinis loci'. Additional latitude information is provided for six specific locations, which are inscribed on the short arms of the cross and on a dedicated plate. A brass index arm is integrated into the instrument, which the user adjusts to align with the latitude of their current location to ensure accurate timekeeping.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 49469
- 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 coat of arms engraved on the cross remains unidentified
- Research required: The exact intended geographic usage of the listed locations is not specified beyond their latitude values