Nocturnal and Quadrant by Eufrosino della Volpaia
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1520
This 1520 brass nocturnal and quadrant was created by the instrument-maker Eufrosino della Volpaia in Florence. The instrument consists of a circular disc joined to a handle that terminates in a smaller disc.
The nocturnal face features five concentric rings and a central sighting hole. The second face includes an hour diagram for an Italian hours dial, a 90-degree scale, and a shadow square. The instrument is calibrated for latitudes 43 and 44 degrees and bears the dedication 'AD MARCELLVM M'. The handle contains three rings marked with months, zodiacal letters, and numerical scales. The instrument was part of a collection belonging to Professor Pietri Marchi before being presented to the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza in Florence.
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
- 1520
- Type
- Italian nocturnal and quadrant
- Maker
- Eufrosino della Volpaia
- Length
- 187 mm
- Dedicated to
- Marcellum M.
- Place recorded
- Florence
- Place of origin
- Florence
- Maker / attribution
- Eufrosino della Volpaia
Design
- Visible features
- • The instrument is constructed from brass. • The nocturnal face features concentric rings and a central sighting hole with a decorative border. • The hour diagram on the second face displays Italian hours from 9 to 23.
- Construction and Design
- The instrument is composed of a circular disc integrated with a straight handle that ends in a smaller, circular terminal. The primary nocturnal face is marked 'OROLOGIVM NOCTVRNVM' at its center and is divided into five concentric rings. The notched edge contains 24 divisions further subdivided into six equal parts, which align with an internal month scale. The center houses a sighting hole framed by a border of diagonal strokes. The second face features an hour diagram for an Italian hours dial calibrated for latitudes 43 and 44 degrees, with a meridian line and a calendar scale. A shadow square of twelve is positioned above the diagram, divided into four numbered groups. The handle is engraved with three rings, incorporating a month scale, initial letters of zodiac signs, and a series of twelve numerical entries.
- Provenance and Condition
- The instrument is reported as incomplete by the museum documentation. It was formerly part of a collection of twelve scientific instruments belonging to Professor Pietri Marchi. The object was subsequently presented to the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza in Florence by the heirs of Professor Marchi’s daughter. It is identified by the museum inventory number 3264.
- Signatures and Inscriptions
- The instrument bears the signature of Eufrosino della Volpaia and is dated 1520. It includes a dedication to an individual identified as 'Ad Marcellum M.', about whom no biographical information is provided in the source records. Additional inscriptions are present, including the Latin designation for the instrument's function, 'QUADRANS AD LATITVDINEM GRAD{UUM} XXXXIII et XXXXIIII', and labels for the meridian line and afternoon lines. A lunar table is inscribed within the disc on the arm, indicating specific dates read against a solar cycle year number.
Identification
- Inventory number
- 3264
- 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 instrument is described as incomplete.
- Research required: The identity of the individual referred to as 'Marcellum M.' in the dedication remains unknown.