Construction and Form
The object is formed as a regular dodecahedron, which serves as the base for multiple sundial surfaces. It stands on a turned single-stem baluster pillar. The geometric arrangement allows for various orientations, including five reclining and declining faces, five inclining and declining faces, and one horizontal face. The horizontal top face features a pin gnomon scaphe dial designed for Italian hours. A recess or cavity is positioned in the center above the gnomon, noted as having formerly contained a compass used for orienting the device towards the North to ensure accurate timekeeping through the projection of shadows.
The surface treatment involves detailed painting. The scaphe dial utilizes a gold-painted surface with black lines and numerals, accented by a red band inscribed with references to the Tropic of Capricorn and gold foliate patterns. Other faces incorporate blue grounds with gold foliation and white banderols identifying the tropics. The symmetry of the instrument's decoration is a deliberate feature, with dials and ornamentation mirrored across the opposing faces of the dodecahedron.
Evidence for this section
- “Regular dodecahedron mounted on a turned single stem baluster pillar stand”
- “The horizontal surface contains a pin gnomon scaphe dial for Italian hours with a small compass set in the free space above the gnomon.”
- “The remaining spaces above and around the dial are filled with gold painted foliate decoration on a light blue ground.”