Portable horizontal sundial 1675 - 1685

This portable sundial, created by the French silversmith Jaques Lucas between 1675 and 1685, is an exquisite example of the craftsmanship of the 17th century. The silver dial, etched with Roman numerals and intricate floral motifs, features a compass and a gnomon (a style that casts a shadow to indicate the time), making it a practical tool for navigating and timekeeping. The sundial’s small size, measuring only 2 1/4 by 2 inches, suggests it was intended for personal use, perhaps as a pocket sundial. This detailed sundial, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is a testament to the elegant fusion of art and science in 17th-century Europe.