Portable diptych sundial 1593 - 1603

This portable diptych sundial, made of ivory and brass by Hans Tröschel the Elder between 1593 and 1603, features a compass on the lower half and a sundial on the upper half. The sundial is marked with the hours, days, and months, while the compass points to the cardinal directions. The hinged design allowed the sundial to be folded closed for easy transport, making it an ideal tool for travelers and those seeking to determine the time and direction. The intricate details and craftsmanship of this sundial showcase Tröschel's skill and the importance of precision in scientific instruments during the Renaissance.