Horizontal Dial, 16th century
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
16th century
This horizontal sundial is crafted from gilt brass and measures 85 mm in diameter. It is an unsigned instrument from the 16th century, characterized by a circular box containing a central magnetic compass used for orientation towards the North.
The dial surface is engraved with hour lines ranging from 4 to 12 to 8, featuring half-hour divisions marked by lines and quarter-hour divisions by points. A central sun effigy is engraved on the dial plate. The instrument features a folding triangular gnomon, which is decoratively shaped and etched with strapwork in light relief, allowing it to fold without obscuring the compass. The outer rim is engraved with an equal scale divided into 24 parts.
Associated with the collection of Prince Mattias de' Medici, the piece was brought from Germany to Italy, where it is now preserved in the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza.
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
- 16th century
- Type
- German horizontal dial
- Origin
- German
- Diameter
- 85 mm
- Material
- Gilt brass
- Provenance
- Prince Mattias de' Medici
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Compass markings
- ME, OCC, SE, ORT
Design
- Visible features
- • Triangular folding gnomon with decorative strapwork • Central sun effigy engraving on dial plate • Cardinal points labeled 'ME', 'OCC', 'SE', 'ORT' • Equal scale engraved on the instrument rim
- History and Provenance
- Although the instrument remains unsigned, it is attributed to the 16th century and linked to German production. The provenance of the object is established through its association with Prince Mattias de' Medici, who is credited with bringing the instrument from Germany. It is now part of the collection at the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza in Florence, having been linked to a specific group of mining instruments.
- Compass and Orientation
- Integral to the instrument is a compass designed for orienting the dial toward the magnetic north. The compass is set within the center of the dial plate. The dial includes a mark for magnetic declination, indicating the maker's intention for the user to account for local variations. The compass case is engraved with directional markers indicating the cardinal points. These are abbreviated as 'ME', 'OCC', 'SE', and 'ORT'. The folding gnomon is shaped specifically to ensure that it does not obscure the compass view when folded down, reflecting the instrument's integrated functional design.
- Construction and Design
- The sundial consists of a circular gilt brass box 85 mm in diameter. The main dial plate is engraved with an hour scale from 4 to 12 to 8, with additional markings for half and quarter hours. A distinct sun effigy is etched into the center of the plate. The instrument is equipped with a folding triangular gnomon that sits above a central compass, designed to collapse when not in use. The gnomon surface displays decorative strapwork chiselled in relief. The outer rim of the circular box is also engraved with an equal scale divided into 24 parts, providing further measurement capabilities alongside the primary hour lines.
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 workshop or maker remains unidentified
- Research required: The association with mining instruments is suggested but not documented in detail