Portable horizontal sundial 1700 - 1750

This portable horizontal sundial was made by Rousselle in Paris sometime between 1675 and 1775 from silver and glass. It's an object that literally embodies time, but also embodies a certain moment in the history of European craft. Consider the amount of labor it took to produce; the chasing of the silver, the shaping of the glass, the precise calibration of the sundial’s face. This wasn't just a scientific instrument, but also a display of wealth and status. You can imagine its owner consulting it with a flourish, demonstrating not only their knowledge of time but also their access to cutting-edge technology and skilled craftsmanship. Objects like this remind us that even seemingly simple devices can be deeply embedded in social and economic systems. Recognizing the artistry involved allows us to appreciate the ingenuity and skill that went into its creation, challenging any strict separation of art, craft, and science.