Detail from Hans Holbein the Younger, 'The Ambassadors', 1533.
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Instruments for Observation and Measuring Time

The collection of scientific instruments included in this detail would have been used in the 16th century to tell the time and make astronomical observations. The cylindrical object to the far left is a type of portable sundial called a pillar dial or shepherd's dial. Next to it is another sundial known as a universal equinoctial dial, which functioned at all latitudes and could be used in the manufacture of other sundials. The example shown here is partly dismantled. The pale object behind this, in the shape of a quarter-circle, is a horary quadrant, which was an instrument used for observing the position of the stars.

The most remarkable scientific instrument in the picture is the polyhedral sundial placed at the front of the shelf. These sundials with many faces were mainly created to show off the skill of their makers and were very expensive. This one has a tiny compass fitted in its uppermost face. Towards the back of the shelf, at the far right, is an instrument known as a torquetum. It is likely that this was used for finding out the positions of the stars and planets.


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