Zonnewijzer uit Batavia 1759

This 1759 sundial, created by P.F. Bongaerts, is a fascinating example of early scientific instrumentation. Made of slate, the sundial features a central gnomon, or shadow-casting rod, which is surrounded by a series of concentric circles representing the hours of the day. The inscription "In Batavia" suggests this sundial was intended for use in the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia. The intricate design, combined with the inscription, highlights the importance of timekeeping and celestial observation during this period.