Zonnewijzer van zandsteen c. 1735

This is a sandstone sundial, carved by Ignatius van Logteren sometime between 1685 and 1732. During this time, the Dutch Republic was a major center for trade, science, and the arts. Van Logteren, who was born into a family of sculptors, would have been aware of the scientific advancements that were being made during his time. Sundials like this one, were important tools for navigation and timekeeping. Yet, they also stand as cultural objects that reflect a society's relationship to time, knowledge, and the natural world. The sundial's form echoes this sentiment: a round tablet that reflects the sun's daily journey. Even as we marvel at the sundial's function, let's think about how our own perceptions of time are shaped by our social and technological environments. What does it mean to live in an era dominated by digital timekeeping? The emotional impact of Van Logteren's sundial reminds us of how our attempts to measure and control time are deeply embedded in our cultural and personal narratives.