Polyhedral Sundial, 16th century (481f8f)

Technical characteristics

Date

16th century

Type

German polyhedral dial

Origin

German

Material

Gilt copper

Dimensions

50 x 50 x 87 mm

Construction

Hollow seven-sided trapezoid

Place recorded

Germany

Compass feature

Small compass

Gnomon mechanism

Spring-loaded gnomon studs

Design

Visible features

• Gilt copper construction with detachable silvered base • Folding gnomons operated by internal brass springs • Engraved with various figurative motifs including cherubs and seated figures • Seven-sided trapezoidal form

Construction and Layout

The instrument is a seven-sided trapezoidal solid crafted from gilt copper. It functions as a portable timekeeping device, with dial diagrams distributed across five of its faces to provide readings through vertical, horizontal, and polar dials. The top surface serves as a horizontal dial, featuring an hour scale from 4 to 12 to 8, engraved around a central compass recess. The gnomons for the various dials are designed to be folded down when not in use. They are maintained in an upright position by depressible studs connected to brass springs mounted on the interior wall of the casing. The overall assembly rests upon a detachable base finished in a silvered material, which includes a decorative cornice. The instrument is heavily decorated with engraved motifs. The areas between the hour scales and the compass are filled with foliate patterns and bird figures. Corners are detailed with cherub heads, while individual faces display complex scenes, such as a satyr cart and a sleeping cherub near a sand-glass.

Provenance and Comparisons

This object, held at the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza in Florence, is frequently compared to another instrument in the collection, catalogued as Epact 85759. This comparison extends to both the decorative treatment and the specific physical construction methods, such as the use of identical numeral punches. The similarities in style suggest that the instruments were produced in the same workshop during the 16th century.

Engraving and Numeral Details

The engraving style incorporates elaborate figurative elements. The east and west faces are distinct, with the east side featuring a crowned male head and prancing horses, and the west side depicting a satyr scene. The south face contains a circular vertical dial with a central scene of a sleeping winged cherub and a sun emblem. A north face, which is inclined, features two seated figures clasping hands. Specific attention has been drawn to the numeral punches, which measure just over 2 mm in height. Notable characteristics include a numeral 5 formed by two arcs, a 2 with an exaggerated serif, and a 1 with unequal serifs.

Identification

Inventory number

2477

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.