Portable diptych sundial 1661 - 1685

This portable sundial, crafted from ivory by Charles Bloud between 1661 and 1685, is a miniature marvel of 17th-century craftsmanship. The intricate design features a compass, a sundial face with Roman numerals, and a decorative border. This small, portable sundial exemplifies the burgeoning interest in scientific exploration and the advancement of time-keeping devices during the Renaissance period. The sundial is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City.