Astronomical Compendium
Date16th century
CultureItalian or German
MediumGilded Bronze
ClassificationMetalwork
Credit LineBequest of John Ringling, 1936
Object numberSN7064
An astronomical compendium is an instrument used for telling time and performing different astronomical calculations. Most compendia have at least one form of sundial, and often a compass, tables of latitude, and a perpetual calendar. Popular in Germany and France in the 16th century, they were usually constructed as extravagantly as possible, with gilt decoration and engraving. The French bronze-gilt drum form case (SN7078) is engraved with a stylized arabesque ornament, the whole raised on three peg feet. This was originally a clock case, the small door being used to access the fusee (pulley) for winding, and was later converted by the addition of a sundial. The German compendium (SN7064) is enclosed within a cast pierced frieze of winged female forms and stylized foliage, and like the French piece, it was converted with a sundial, the clock mechanism removed. The German tower clock (SN7067) runs the typically German stackfreed, and has a later horizontal silver dial enameled and engraved with a floral and foliate band within a chapter ring of Roman numerals.
On View
Not on view
16th century
Unknown, Italian
Probably mid-19th Century
Unknown
Frame, 16th century; Miniature, second half of 15th century
ca. 1550
