Medieval Quadrans Vetus

Technical characteristics

Date

14th century

Type

German quadrant

Radius

102 mm

Region

German

Function

Universal sundial, measurement of heights, distances and depths

Material

Brass

Place recorded

Germany

Design

Visible features

• Limb engraved with a 90-degree scale • Two sighting pinnules on the straight edge • Gothic script with specific Latin contractions • Recessed slot containing a mobile zodiac cursor

Construction and Layout

The instrument is a brass quadrant with a radius of 102 mm. The limb is engraved with a 90-degree scale, divided into single degrees and grouped into fives. The face includes a recessed slot where a sliding cursor, engraved with zodiacal scales, is housed. Positioned at the apex of the quadrant is a twelve-part shadow square, which is superimposed with arcs indicating the unequal hours. These hours are numbered in two series: a descending series reading in the direction of the limb and an ascending series reading toward the apex. On the reverse side of the object, there is a circular zodiacal calendar. This area also contains a scale of 28, identified as a lunar scale intended for use with a volvelle that is no longer present. The pivot point for this missing component remains visible in the central blank space. Two sighting pinnules, which exhibit scrolled lower portions, are fixed to the straight edge of the quadrant to facilitate observation.

Inscriptions and Calligraphy

The instrument features detailed Latin inscriptions rendered in a well-executed gothic script. Many of the month names appear in heavily contracted forms, such as 'MARCI<US>' for March and 'FEBRO' or 'FEBROA' for February. The maker employed specific calligraphic flourishes to fill the space within the divisions. Notable features include the letter 'E' in 'LEO' being pierced by an arrow, and the linking of the 'R' and 'A' in 'LIBRA' with a loop. The zodiac signs are divided into two-degree increments, presented in unnumbered groups of six. Decorative flourishes are also applied to the final 'S' in 'PISCES' and 'ARIES'. The variation in word length and spacing suggests a deliberate effort by the maker to create a visually harmonious arrangement across the available space of the instrument's scales.

Provenance and Comparative Context

This quadrant is identified as a member of a group of only three surviving medieval quadrants of this specific type. The other two instruments are located in the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford, dating to circa 1300, and the British Museum in London, dating to the 14th century. A comparison of the lettering across these three pieces indicates that the Florence instrument is distinct, with the London and Oxford examples appearing closer to one another in style. The instrument is held at the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza in Florence. A 16th-century drawing by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger is documented as showing a similar quadrant, currently preserved in the Uffizi Gallery. Additionally, the collection in Florence also contains a 16th-century dial of this same type.

Identification

Inventory Number

662

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.