Paul Reinmann Diptych Dial
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1578
This diptych dial is constructed from ivory and brass, measuring 43 by 80 by 11 mm. It is signed by Paul Reinmann and dated 1578, originating from Nuremberg. The instrument features a multi-dial configuration.
The upper leaf includes an outer wind rose and an inner pin gnomon dial for Italian hours, alongside a string gnomon dial for common hours featuring a vignette of a putto resting on a skull. The lower leaf contains a compass bowl, a string gnomon dial for common hours, and a pin gnomon dial for Babylonian hours. The outer surface of the upper leaf displays engraved figures representing various time-telling devices, including a cylinder dial, diptych dial, armillary sphere, and astrolabe.
A maker's mark consisting of a coronet is punched on the bottom. Certain components, specifically the wind vane, index arm, and the compass needle, glass, and ring, are missing.
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
- 1578
- Type
- Nuremberg diptych dial
- Maker
- Paul Reinmann
- Origin
- Nuremberg
- Materials
- Ivory and brass
- Dimensions
- 43 x 80 x 11 mm
- Maker's Mark
- Coronet
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- Paul Reinmann
Design
- Visible features
- • Ivory construction with brass fittings and hinges. • String gnomon present for the common hour dials. • Maker's mark of a coronet punched on the bottom. • Engraved figures of men using various astronomical instruments on the upper leaf exterior.
- Engraved Decorations
- The instrument is embellished with various engravings. On the outer side of the upper leaf, the spandrel spaces house figures representing individuals using instruments such as a cylinder dial, a diptych dial, an armillary sphere, and an astrolabe. A moon effigy is located at the top center. The lower leaf exterior features a decorative arch and border surrounding an engraving of a woman wearing a veil, which has been associated with the appearance of a Vestal virgin. The edges of the dial are finished with geometrical patterns.
- Construction and Dials
- The diptych dial is a rectangular instrument composed of ivory leaves hinged together, with brass components for assembly. The upper leaf interior contains a pin gnomon dial for Italian hours and a string gnomon dial for common hours. A central vignette features a putto resting his arm upon a skull, surrounded by an inscription including the maker's name and location. The lower leaf interior is equipped with a compass bowl, a string gnomon dial for common hours, and a pin gnomon dial for Babylonian hours. The exterior of the upper leaf includes a wind rose, while the exterior of the lower leaf depicts a female figure. Several elements are identified as missing, including the compass glass, ring, and needle, as well as the wind vane and index arm.
- Signatures and Provenance
- The dial is signed with the name of the maker, Paul Reinmann, and includes the location of Nuremberg. The date 1578 is present at the bottom of the upper leaf interior. A maker's mark consisting of a coronet is punched into the bottom of the object. The object is catalogued within the collection of the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford, under the inventory number 64221. Reference to the instrument is made in research concerning Nuremberg ivory sundials.
Identification
- Inventory Number
- 64221
- 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: Several components including the wind vane, index arm, compass glass, ring, and needle are noted as missing.
- Research required: The identity of the woman depicted on the lower leaf is a source-suggested possibility rather than a confirmed identity.