Sundial
late 15th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This sundial is made in France by an unknown artist in the late 15th century.
It is supported by two angels. The dial is in the shape of a stone disc with the upper third cut off: it is numbered around the edge from 5 am to 7 pm. The gnomon is missing: there is a star shaped device in the centre, and a scalloped border. Below are two kneeling angels supporting the dial on their wings and holding between them a heraldic shield.
The position of the numerals indicates that they were incised at a later date, when the dial was being used horizontally and in London, because the numerals are so placed that the dial could tell the correct time only if used horizontally and in the London area. If used vertically, as presumably was originally intended, the numerals would be differently arranged. There are traces of painted numerals (undecipherable) and these may be the original ones.
It is supported by two angels. The dial is in the shape of a stone disc with the upper third cut off: it is numbered around the edge from 5 am to 7 pm. The gnomon is missing: there is a star shaped device in the centre, and a scalloped border. Below are two kneeling angels supporting the dial on their wings and holding between them a heraldic shield.
The position of the numerals indicates that they were incised at a later date, when the dial was being used horizontally and in London, because the numerals are so placed that the dial could tell the correct time only if used horizontally and in the London area. If used vertically, as presumably was originally intended, the numerals would be differently arranged. There are traces of painted numerals (undecipherable) and these may be the original ones.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Carved stone |
| Brief description | Sundial, stone, northern France, late 15th century |
| Physical description | Sundial supported by two angels. The dial is in the shape of a stone disc with the upper third cut off: it is numbered round the edge from 5 am to 7 pm. The gnomon is missing: there is a star shaped device in the centre, and a scalloped border. Below are two kneeling angels supporting the dial on their wings and holding between them a heraldic shield: a chevron, and a chief charged in the dexter canton with a mullet |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Given by J. H. Fitzhenry, Esq. |
| Object history | The position of the numerals indicates that they were incised at a later date, when the dial was being used horizontally and in London. If used vertically, as presumably was originally intended, the numerals would be differently arranged. There are traces of painted numerals (undecipherable) and these may be the original ones. Given by J. H. Fitzhenry, Esq. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This sundial is made in France by an unknown artist in the late 15th century. It is supported by two angels. The dial is in the shape of a stone disc with the upper third cut off: it is numbered around the edge from 5 am to 7 pm. The gnomon is missing: there is a star shaped device in the centre, and a scalloped border. Below are two kneeling angels supporting the dial on their wings and holding between them a heraldic shield. The position of the numerals indicates that they were incised at a later date, when the dial was being used horizontally and in London, because the numerals are so placed that the dial could tell the correct time only if used horizontally and in the London area. If used vertically, as presumably was originally intended, the numerals would be differently arranged. There are traces of painted numerals (undecipherable) and these may be the original ones. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 476-1905 |
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| Record created | December 11, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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