Wood Horary Quadrant and Sundial by Miniato Pitti
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1558
This rectangular wooden quadrant, dated 1558 and signed by Miniato Pitti in Florence, measures 130 x 188 x 16 mm. It functions on one side as an horary quadrant designed for 43 degrees latitude, and on the other as a Regiomontanus-type altitude sundial capable of functioning at latitudes up to 65 degrees.
The construction features round ivory feet on the corners of the main faces and includes two wooden pinhole sights along the top edge. The quadrant side is decorated with lacquer and features an altitude scale, a shadow square, and circular scales for a zodiac-calendar and golden numbers/epacts. The sundial side incorporates an articulated brass arm, a latitude scale, and a solar declination scale. It is inscribed with Latin mottos and a quotation from Ovid.
The object was produced in Florence during the 16th century.
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
- 1558
- Type
- Quadrant
- Maker
- Miniato Pitti
- Dimensions
- 130 x 188 x 16 mm
- Inscription
- Latin quotation from Ovid
- Sundial type
- Regiomontanus-type
- Place recorded
- Italy
- Quadrant latitude
- 43 degrees 30 minutes
- Maker / attribution
- Miniato Pitti
Design
- Visible features
- • Two wooden pinhole sights mounted on the top edge • Round ivory feet at corners of the faces • Includes an articulated shaped brass arm with screw and rivet joints • Quadrants and scales are etched directly onto the wooden surface
- Function and Scales
- It utilizes solar altitude lines to determine time, with ante-meridian lines originally marked in red and post-meridian lines in black. The reverse side serves as a Regiomontanus-type altitude sundial, which allows for use across a broader range of latitudes up to 65 degrees. This face includes an articulated brass arm with a pivot and rivets, used in conjunction with a plumb-line—currently missing—to interact with a triangular grid of horizontal latitude lines and a zodiacal scale. This side provides readings for common or planetary hours.
- Signatures and Inscriptions
- The object features multiple inscriptions identifying the maker, Miniato Pitti, and the place of manufacture, Florence. The quadrant side includes the signature 'MINIAS PITT? FLO? FACI?' and the motto 'SOLI DEO GLORIA'. There is also explicit guidance regarding the color-coding of the hour lines on the quadrant face. The sundial side carries a further signature and a description of the instrument's capabilities. Documentation notes an apparent contradiction in the dates inscribed, where the sundial is signed with the year 1553, despite 1558 appearing elsewhere on the instrument.
- Instrument Construction and Layout
- The object is a rectangular wooden block featuring two main faces, with two wooden pinhole sights positioned on the top edge to facilitate observation. The instrument incorporates round ivory feet at the corners of the main faces, although the documentation notes that two of these feet are currently missing. The horary quadrant face is decorated with lacquer and contains an intricate arrangement of scales. These include an altitude scale numbered 0 to 90, a shadow square, and two circular scales. One circle represents a zodiacal calendar labeled 'ROTA GRADI SOLSOLARIS', while the other displays golden numbers and epacts. A Latin quotation from Ovid is inscribed around the rim.
Identification
- 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: Plumb-line is missing
- Research required: Two ivory feet are missing
- Research required: Source notes a possible discrepancy with the date 1553 indicated in the inscription versus 1558 elsewhere