Exceptional large precision sundial signed Giovanni Savoi in Firenze made circa 1765
POA
Dimensions
22 cm × 22 cm
Circa
circa 1765
Maker
Giovanni Savoi in Firenze
Country of manufacture
Other
Description
Exceptional large precision sundial with compass and bubble levels, signed Giovanni Savoi (active around 1766–1768), Florence.
Large precision sundial in the form of a quadrant, designed for the latitude of Florence, in brass, wood, glass and steel. Signed “Gio : Savoi F : in Firenze”.
It is fitted with a large central compass with a blued steel needle, two bubble levels and three adjusting screws ensuring perfect horizontality.
The plate is engraved with an extended hour and zodiac scale, divided between the main plate and the removable pinnules. It allows the reading of part of the Italian hours (about XVI to XX), locating the Sun in the zodiac, following its seasonal course and determining its height at the moment of its meridian passage.
The quality of execution and the precision of the engraving show a high-level scientific instrument, intended for surveyors, military engineers, cartographers and architects.
Note: To our knowledge, this is the only recorded example of this model and the fourth known instrument by Giovanni Savoi. This sundial probably represents the most elaborate work made by this maker.
References: To our knowledge, only four other instruments by this maker are recorded:
1)Special balance on its wooden stand, signed and dated “Joannes Savoi Senensis f.[ecit] Florentiae A.[nno] 1766”. Museo Galileo, Florence (inv. 816). This balance comes from the Lorraine collections.
2)Brass equatorial sundial mounted on a gimbal. Museo Galileo or Palazzo Pitti. Signed “Gio : Savoi F : in Firenze”, undated.
3)Brass equatorial sundial signed “GioI : SAVOI Fe : IN FIRENZE”. Undated but with its manuscript listing 72 European cities and their latitudes. Length 7.8 cm. Sale at Christie’s, New York, 3 April 1985, lot 164.
4)Brass equatorial sundial signed “Gio : Savoi F : in Firenze A : 1768”. Diameter 7.7 cm. Sale at Christie’s, New York, 3 April 1985, lot 165.
Dimensions: 22 cm × 22 cm; total height with pinnules of 17 cm; thickness of the central block of 2,5 cm; small side of the quadrant of 15 cm; large side of 18 cm.
Florence (Italy) made circa 1765.
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Dealer information
Galerie Delalande Paris
After 37 years in Le Louvre des Antiquaires, the Delalande gallery moved early June 2015 to 35 rue de Lille, 75007 Paris, on the other side of the Seine River in the well known antic shops area "le Carré Rive Gauche".
Our main specialties are, since 1976, Marine and Scientific instruments, Tobacco and Opium objects, Curiosities and Great Canes.
We participate to international antique fairs (TEFAF Maastricht) and are unique partner of the French Maritime Museum.
Eric Delalande is also Administrator of the French Experts National Company (C.N.E.).
Please visit also our two websites, which are frequently updated: www.antiquites-delalande.fr (French) and www.delalande-antiques.com (English). ----------------------------
La Galerie Delalande s'est installée en juin 2015 au 35 rue de Lille (75007 Paris), au coeur de la capitale dans le "Carré Rive Gauche", après 37 années de présence au Louvre des Antiquaires.
Nous nous sommes orientés, depuis 1976, vers plusieurs spécialités : Marine et Sciences, Objets du tabac et de l'Opium, Cannes de collection et Curiosités.
Nous participons à des salons d'envergure internationale (TEFAF Maastricht) et sommes partenaires exclusifs du Musée National de la Marine.
Eric Delalande est également Administrateur de la Compagnie Nationale des Experts (C.N.E.).
N'hésitez pas à visiter nos deux sites internet fréquemment mis à jour : www.antiquites-delalande.fr (Français) and www.delalande-antiques.com (Anglais).
