Portable horizontal sundial 1735 - 1757

This portable horizontal sundial, made by French craftsman Claude Langlois between 1735 and 1757, demonstrates the artistry of scientific instruments in the 18th century. The octagonal brass sundial features a compass and an intricate gnomon, or pointer, that casts a shadow to tell the time. The sundial's compact size and intricate details showcase the craftsmanship of Langlois, a respected maker of scientific instruments. This object, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the intersection of art and science during the Enlightenment era.