Diptych Dial by Thomas Tucher

Technical characteristics

Date

circa 1620

Type

Nuremberg diptych dial

Maker

Thomas Tucher

Origin

Nuremberg

Material

Ivory and gilt brass

Dimensions

76 x 125 x 15 mm

Place recorded

Nuremberg

Maker / attribution

Thomas Tucher

Design

Visible features

• Decoration of fruits and foliage in green and brown • Engraved brass plates located in the corners of the leaves • Recumbent female figure on the inner surface of the upper leaf • Maker's mark featuring a snake and initials T D

Condition and Attribution

The object is held by the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, under inventory number 86072. The physical condition reflects the loss of several functional parts, specifically the glass and ring associated with the compass, the string required for the string gnomon dial, and a portion of the closing hinge. The identification relies on the signature of Thomas Tucher and his characteristic snake mark, which appears twice on the lower leaf. The piece is dated to approximately 1620 based on the documentation provided by the museum, which attributes the manufacture to the workshops in Nuremberg.

Timekeeping and Astronomical Functions

The instrument integrates several distinct timekeeping mechanisms across its leaves. The upper leaf features a pin gnomon dial showing the length of the day, with scales ranging from 8 to 16, alongside markers for sun declination and zodiacal signs. Latitude adjustment is facilitated through a series of holes designed for 54, 48, and 42 degrees. The lower leaf contains a compass area, a string gnomon dial for multiple latitudes, and a scaphe dial indicating Italian hours from 9 to 24. A lunar volvelle with a table of epacts is provided on the outer lower leaf. The maker’s mark, represented by a snake, appears on the dial, and the inscription 'POLNISCHE VHR' is engraved on the lower leaf, identifying specific regional timekeeping markers.

Dial Construction and Surface Decoration

The diptych dial is crafted from ivory panels reinforced with gilt brass elements. The exterior leaves are adorned with engraved gilt brass plates featuring bun feet, which are set against a surface embellished with painted fruits, flowers, and foliage in shades of green and brown. These decorative plates are positioned in the spandrel spaces on both outer leaves. The interior surfaces are intricately engraved with various scales and figures. The upper leaf displays a central recumbent female figure holding a smaller dial. The color palette of green and brown used for the botanical motifs extends to these internal decorative borders, providing a cohesive aesthetic across the ivory components of the instrument.

Identification

Inventory Number

86072

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.