- 60
AN ENGRAVED BRASS HORIZONTAL SUN DIAL WITH JEWISH HOURS
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
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Description
- signed and dated in Latin inscription.
- brass
- diameter of dial 7 7/8 in.; diameter overall 8 3/4 in.
- 20 cm; 21.5 cm
sundial for time of daily prayers, engraved in a Mannerist shaded strapwork cartouche with Latin inscription below the words Horae ludaeoru(m) (Jewish Hours); with unequal arabic scale, also engraved with signs of the Zodiac and the lines of Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn; with two gnomons - a short pin gnomon for use of central diagrams, and an elaborate strapwork gnomon engraved "Eo omnia unde," now mounted on black marble base.
Provenance
Sotheby's Olympia, October 30, 2002, lot 92
Sotheby's New York, Important Judaica, March 18, 2004, lot 131
Literature
La Mesure du Temps dans les Collections Belges, Brussels, 1984, no. 138, pp. 114-5
[F.R. Maddison] A Supplement to a catalogue of scientific instruments in the Collection of J. A. Billmeier, 1957, p. 38, no. 180
[F.R. Maddison] A Supplement to a catalogue of scientific instruments in the Collection of J. A. Billmeier, 1957, p. 38, no. 180
Condition
One chip to black marble, two small splits to edge of brass, engraving still unworn.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The Latin inscription may be translated as follows: "Jacques de Succa, in the year 1601, offers this in token of gratitude to Gaston Spinola Count of Bruay, Knight of the Order of St. James, honorary secretary to the Chamber to His Highness, Master of the Horse, Governor of the Province of Limbourg and Vitra Meuse."
Jacques de Succa (fl. 1577-1601) is known by four surviving instruments, including this example and another dedicated to Albert and Isabella, joint rulers of the Spanish Netherlands. He is possibly related to Antoine de Succa (fl. 1577-1620), portrait painter and genealogist to Albert and Isabella.
Jacques de Succa (fl. 1577-1601) is known by four surviving instruments, including this example and another dedicated to Albert and Isabella, joint rulers of the Spanish Netherlands. He is possibly related to Antoine de Succa (fl. 1577-1620), portrait painter and genealogist to Albert and Isabella.
Jewish hours are calculated by dividing the total hours of daylight and nighttime into twelve equal parts, and thus vary by season and even by day.