Analemmatic sundial

Gerhard Muth, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, 1670–1680

Engraved, gilt and painted brass, silver.

H: 6.8 cm / W: 6.8 cm

Markings: Muth / Fecit / Franck / furt engraved in inscription ribbon on main plate

UMP 648

Gerhard Muth’s sundial represents absolutely exceptional timepiece exhibit. Like another unique work in Muth’s oeuvre, a similarly designed sundial in the repository of the Mathematisch-Physiskalischer Salon in Dresden, Muth’s sundial provides evidence of just how much focused concentration, supported by artistic skill, was devoted to the final appearance of this small practical object. The finely detailed, perfectly executed engraving on the sundial cover in particular represents a nimble response to contemporary French ornamentation of the time.

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