Portable horizontal sundial
first half 18th century
Medium
Brass
Dimensions
Overall: 1 3/8 × 3 1/16 × 2 3/4 in. (3.5 × 7.8 × 7 cm)
Classification
Horology
Culture
French, Paris
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Stephen D. Tucker, 1903
Accession Number
03.21.36
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite portable horizontal sundial, by the Parisian maker Rousselle in the first half of the18th century, exemplifies refined horological artistry of Enlightenment-era France. Made of gleaming brass—a material prized for its durability, malleability, and ability to hold intricate engravings—this pocket-sized instrument measures just 1 3/8 × 3 1/16 × 2 3/4 inches, making it ideal for travelers or gentlemen scholars to carry discreetly. Horizontal sundials like this one were placed flat on a surface to cast shadows from a gnomon (the projecting style), revealing local time via calibrate...