Source catalogue · individual objects

Object Catalogue

Individual objects described by auction houses, specialist dealers and collection catalogues. Attribution, dates and specifications remain source-reported unless independently established; rights clearance is pending.

MakerSearch objectsCategoryTypeSource

Browse makers and their key pieces · Girolamo della Volpaia profile

Only objects with a full description

5 of 5699 objects · Page 1 of 1

The nocturnal side of the instrument showing the zodiacal calendar, central volvelle, and the rotating pointer marked 'HOROLOGIVM NOCTVRNVM'.

Tool · Nocturnal

Nocturnal and sundial by Girolamo della Volpaia

This brass nocturnal and sundial, measuring 97 mm in diameter, is signed by Girolamo della Volpaia and dated 1567. The instrument is constructed from three superimposed circular disks, with a central sighting hole and a rotating pointer. The nocturnal side features a zodiacal calendar scale and a volvelle consisting of two discs, the upper featuring 24 teeth and various scales, including a month scale and an inscription reading 'MEDIA NOX PER TOTVM ANNVM'. The second face functions as a sundial and quadrant, displaying an hour diagram for Italian hours, a 90-degree scale, and latitude information. The instrument includes a suspension mount resembling an astrolabe throne. It is calibrated for a latitude of 43° 44', corresponding to Florence, and incorporates multiple inscriptions, including the signature in a scroll on the second face.

Full description

www.mhs.ox.ac.uk · 3811

The scaphe dial shown in its wooden case with the lid removed, revealing the interior brass bowl, gnomon, and compass.

Tool · Other sundial

Scaphe Dial by Girolamo della Volpaia

This scaphe dial, measuring 80 mm in diameter, is a portable timekeeping instrument constructed from brass and housed within a turned wooden case. Created by Girolamo della Volpaia in Florence in 1588, the device features a hemispherical interior dial surface engraved with astronomical and temporal markings. These include Italian hours ranging from X to XXIIII, as well as inscribed lines for the tropics, identified as 'TROPICVS CAPRI CORNI' and 'TROPICVS CANCRI', and the 'AEQVINOCTIALIS LINEA'. A brass gnomon is positioned at the top of the scaphe. The dial border carries a Latin inscription reflecting on the passage of time. The instrument also integrates a compass with a wind rose at the base of the bowl, containing initials corresponding to eight wind directions.

Full description

www.mhs.ox.ac.uk · 49

Tool · Quadrant

Horary Quadrant by Girolamo della Volpaia

This brass horary quadrant, measuring 310 mm in radius, was produced by Girolamo della Volpaia in Florence in 1570. The instrument features a limb calibrated to 90 degrees, an Italian hours dial showing hours 9 to 24, a zodiacal calendar, and a shadow square incorporating a circular 'Tabula Solis motus'. On the back, an iron mounting system with a plate, screw, and wing nut allows for inclination, though this appears to be a later addition as it obscures parts of the engraved face. Two scrolled block sights are fixed along the edge for topographical operations. The piece serves as both a timekeeping and a measuring instrument, reflective of the work produced by the Della Volpaia family of instrument makers active during the 16th century.

Full description

www.mhs.ox.ac.uk · 239

Tool · Horizontal sundial

Horizontal Dial by Girolamo della Volpaia

This horizontal sundial, crafted from gilt brass, measures 125 x 110 mm and is signed by the Florentine instrument maker Girolamo della Volpaia. The instrument is dated 1576 and features a pin gnomon mounted on a flat, engraved brass plate. The plate consists of three straight edges and one decoratively shaped edge featuring a suspension hole. The dial is calibrated to track Italian hours from 10 to 23. Inscriptions designate the tropics and the equator, specifically marked as 'TROPICVS CANCRI', 'TROPICVS CAPRICORNI', and 'AEQVINOCTIALIS LINEAE', accompanied by astrological symbols for Cancer, Capricorn, Libra, and Aries. A small compass is integrated into the plate, surrounded by a 32-point wind rose.

Full description

www.mhs.ox.ac.uk · MLA 1894, 12-11.2

A wooden polyhedral sundial, inventory number 2460, featuring multiple gnomons, an integrated compass in the base, and an inscribed conical recess.

Tool · Other sundial

Polyhedral Dial by Girolamo della Volpaia

This wooden polyhedral sundial, measuring 110 mm in height, is signed by Girolamo della Volpaia and dated 1590. The instrument consists of a cube cut into six dial surfaces, mounted on a base containing an inset compass. Each face features specific hour lines and individual gnomons, designed for a latitude of 43 degrees 30 minutes, corresponding to Florence. The various dial surfaces indicate Italian hours, with lines and text highlighted in alternating red and black pigments. The central conical cut-out houses an extensive Latin inscription detailing the intended latitude and the maker's signature. The object is held in the collection of the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienza in Florence.

Full description