Diptych Dial by Hans Troschel, 1618
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1618
This diptych dial, measuring 102 x 166 x 16 mm, is constructed from ivory and brass and dated 1618. Signed by Hans Troschel in Nuremberg, the object serves as a multifaceted instrument containing numerous specialized components.
The outer surfaces include a wind rose with 32 directions, a lunar volvelle, an aspectarium, and a planetary table. The interior leaves feature various pin gnomon dials, a string gnomon dial, and a latitude table for 72 cities. The construction incorporates an integrated compass and latitude adjustment holes. Decorative elements include foliate patterns, fruit motifs, allegorical figures, and Latin inscriptions.
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
- 1618
- Type
- Nuremberg diptych dial
- Maker
- Hans Troschel
- Location
- Nuremberg
- Material
- Ivory and brass
- Dimensions
- 102 x 166 x 16 mm
- Place recorded
- Nuremberg
- Maker / attribution
- Hans Troschel
Design
- Visible features
- • The inner leaf contains a latitude table listing 72 cities. • The outer leaf includes a wind rose with 32 directions.
- Condition and Attribution
- The instrument is attributed to Hans Troschel, with the date 1618 clearly inscribed. The maker's mark is observed as a six-pointed star, punched in multiple locations. The physical integrity of the object has been affected by time; specifically, the polar pin gnomon is missing, as is the compass glass, the compass ring, and the wind vane. The object retains its functional markings and inscriptions, including various Latin mottos regarding the nature of time. Two compartments are located on the left edge of the leaves, intended for the storage of the pin and the missing wind vane.
- Construction and Exterior Features
- The diptych dial is a rectangular instrument composed of ivory and brass, featuring two hinged leaves. The outer face of the upper leaf displays a wind rose with 32 directions, marked in German, surrounded by Latin-inscribed circles and a brass index arm. Decoration in the spandrels consists of fruit and foliage, and the edge is inscribed with text referencing the value of time. The exterior of the lower leaf includes a pierced lunar volvelle, an aspectarium, and a table of epacts. A planetary table, labeled 'PLANETEN TAFEL', indicates the ruling planet for each day of the week, flanked by allegorical figures and decorations of angels and foliage. The instrument stands on four bun feet and retains the maker's mark, a six-pointed star, punched near the hinge.
- Interior Dials and Mathematical Functions
- The inner portion of the upper leaf contains multiple pin gnomon dials indicating 'QVANTITAS DIEI', common hours in red, 'HORAE AB ORTV', 'PLANETARVM HORAS', and 'HORAE AB OCCASV'. Between these dials are holes for latitude adjustment ranging from 39 to 57 degrees. A table on the lower section lists 72 cities alongside their respective latitudes. The lower leaf contains a compass, which is currently missing its glass and ring. A string gnomon dial surrounds the compass area, providing timekeeping for various latitudes. Below this, a polar dial indicates both Italian and Babylonian hours, with solar declination marked by zodiacal symbols. The borders feature a dial intended for use in conjunction with the upper leaf as a gnomon.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 71930
- 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 pin for the polar pin gnomon dial is missing.
- Research required: The compass glass and ring are missing from the lower leaf.