Horizontal Dial, 16th century (3cec3e)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
16th century
This 16th-century German horizontal sundial is crafted from gilt copper and silver and measures 213 by 185 mm. The instrument functions as a string-gnomon dial featuring dual sets of hour lines and solar declination markers accompanied by a zodiacal scale.
It is distinguished by a silver figure, interpreted as a Roman soldier, which supports the gnomon rod. Integrated within the main plate are two volvelles: one for lunar tracking and aspectarium, and a second serving as an astrological planetary table for determining planetary hours. The instrument includes an inset glazed compass with a silvered base marked with sixteen directional points. The dial plate exhibits extensive decorative engraving featuring allegorical sun and moon motifs, foliage, and animals.
The device is presently mounted on a modern wooden base. The maker is unsigned.
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
- Type
- German horizontal dial
- Origin
- 16th century German
- Compass
- Inset glazed compass with silvered base
- Material
- Gilt copper and silver
- Signature
- Unsigned
- Dimensions
- 213 x 185 mm
- Place recorded
- Germany
Design
- Visible features
- • Silver figure of a soldier supporting the gnomon • Inset glazed compass with 16 cardinal points • Two integrated circular volvelles for astrological calculations • Extensive engraved decorative motifs including zodiac symbols
- Dial Construction and Gnomon
- The primary timekeeping surface is a horizontal string-gnomon dial. It displays two distinct sets of hour markings: one indicated by Roman numerals VI to XII to VI, and another marked between 4 to 8 and 4 to 8. The string gnomon is anchored centrally to the plate at a decorative sun emblem. Beyond basic timekeeping, the plate contains lines for solar declination and zodiacal scales divided from 0 to 30. A meridian line facilitates the measurement of daylight and darkness duration, with markings labeled 'QVANTITAS DIEI' and 'QVANTITAS NOCTIS'. The instrument also includes parallel lines specifically designated for planetary hours.
- Decorative Elements and Compass
- A glazed compass is inset into the plate in front of the soldier figure. The base is silvered and features sixteen directional points labeled with compass directions such as 'NORD' and 'NORD OST'. The compass provides necessary orientation for the sundial in the field. The remaining surface of the plate is filled with dense, elaborate engraving. These decorations include a variety of animals, scrollwork, and foliage. Allegorical representations of the sun and the moon are integrated into the overall design scheme. The entire assembly is supported on a modern wooden base.
- Astrological and Lunar Functions
- The dial incorporates two complex volvelles situated on either side of the support figure. The first serves as a lunar volvelle and aspectarium, equipped with a fixed scale for hours and a movable disc displaying planetary aspects. An aperture and supplementary scale provide information regarding the age of the moon, which is read against the fixed plate beneath. The second volvelle acts as an astrological planetary table. It identifies the planetary rulers for each hour of the day across the different days of the week. The days are inscribed on the base plate using Latin terminology. The moving disc contains a spiral scale designated for planetary hours, while the center features seven personifications representing the planets or days of the week.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 42534
- 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 figure is missing an object formerly held in its left hand
- Research required: The maker is unknown