Polyhedral Dial by Girolamo della Volpaia
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1590
This wooden polyhedral sundial, measuring 110 mm in height, is signed by Girolamo della Volpaia and dated 1590. The instrument consists of a cube cut into six dial surfaces, mounted on a base containing an inset compass.
Each face features specific hour lines and individual gnomons, designed for a latitude of 43 degrees 30 minutes, corresponding to Florence. The various dial surfaces indicate Italian hours, with lines and text highlighted in alternating red and black pigments. The central conical cut-out houses an extensive Latin inscription detailing the intended latitude and the maker's signature. The object is held in the collection of 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
- 1590
- Type
- Italian polyhedral dial
- Maker
- Girolamo della Volpaia
- Origin
- Florence
- Latitude
- 43 degrees 30 minutes
- Dimensions
- 110 mm height
- Place recorded
- Italy
- Maker / attribution
- Girolamo della Volpaia
Design
- Visible features
- • Horizontal dial surface features a central gnomon • Visible conical recession with engraved Latin text and signature • Compass integrated into the wooden base for orientation • Multiple protruding metallic gnomons for different dial faces
- Context and Provenance
- This sundial is preserved within the collection of the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza in Florence. It is noted as being part of the Medicean collection, which historically contained a variety of scientific instruments used at the Medici court. The maker, Girolamo della Volpaia, was part of a prominent family of instrument makers in Florence. His work is historically linked to the needs and patronage of the Medici family, who were significant collectors and users of such specialized scientific apparatus during the Renaissance period.
- Construction and Design
- The instrument is constructed from wood, reaching a total height of 110 mm. Its primary form is a cube that has been symmetrically carved to provide six distinct functional dial surfaces. These surfaces are calibrated for a latitude of 43 degrees 30 minutes, specifically for the location of Florence. To facilitate proper use, a small compass is inset directly into the base of the instrument, allowing the user to align the dials toward the north. Each of the six surfaces is equipped with individual gnomons for shadow-casting. The hour lines and associated inscriptions are filled with alternating red and black colouring to improve legibility. The top face features a horizontal dial, while the side faces are dedicated to declining dials for various ranges of Italian hours.
- Signatures and Inscriptions
- The instrument bears a clear signature identifying the maker as Girolamo della Volpaia, the son of Camillo and descendant of the instrument maker Lorenzo della Volpaia. This signature is integrated into a Latin inscription located within a conical recess carved into the front of the cube. The text states the geographical purpose and the date of the instrument's manufacture. The inscription is engraved directly into the wood. Additional markings are present on the dial faces themselves, providing specific hours for different directional orientations. These include phrases such as 'ORTVM SOLI' and 'OCCASV SOLI', along with specific Latin mottos and technical designations for the declining dials.
Identification
- Reference
- 2460
- Inventory Number
- 2460
- 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 source describes the object as a triangular prism in the overview but clarifies it is a cube cut to six surfaces in the detail section
- Research required: Attribution relies entirely on the signature present on the instrument itself