102nd Auction
2020/6/29
Lot 230
Tucher family, Nuremberg, 80 x 122 x 16 mm, circa 1610
A magnificent large diptych azimuth dial with compass and calendar
Case: ivory, coloured, gilt brass.
This sundial bears the serpent mark of the Tucher family in Nuremberg; it is fitted with a compass and indications for "Welsche" (foreign) and "Nirenperger" (Nuremberg) time. A table with the conversion between Julian and Gregorian calendars was placed in the lower part.
This fine piece is remarkable in many respects - even the size is unusually large for a folding sundial of this type. The ornamentation of the sundial with magnificent, gilt fittings are proof not only of the craftsmanship of the maker but also of the sophisticated demands of the original owner. The piece is in excellent condition, with one bottom fitting missing.
The Tucher family of Nuremberg was renowned over generations for their compasses. Their work - always marked with the serpent - can be viewed in many museums. According to the "Nürnberger Künstlerlexikon" (record of artists in Nuremberg) by Manfred Grieb (Munich 2007), it was mainly Thomas Tucher (1590-1645), who used gilt metal fittings regularly. It is therefore quite possible that he may have created this sundial.
A magnificent large diptych azimuth dial with compass and calendar
Case: ivory, coloured, gilt brass.
This sundial bears the serpent mark of the Tucher family in Nuremberg; it is fitted with a compass and indications for "Welsche" (foreign) and "Nirenperger" (Nuremberg) time. A table with the conversion between Julian and Gregorian calendars was placed in the lower part.
This fine piece is remarkable in many respects - even the size is unusually large for a folding sundial of this type. The ornamentation of the sundial with magnificent, gilt fittings are proof not only of the craftsmanship of the maker but also of the sophisticated demands of the original owner. The piece is in excellent condition, with one bottom fitting missing.
The Tucher family of Nuremberg was renowned over generations for their compasses. Their work - always marked with the serpent - can be viewed in many museums. According to the "Nürnberger Künstlerlexikon" (record of artists in Nuremberg) by Manfred Grieb (Munich 2007), it was mainly Thomas Tucher (1590-1645), who used gilt metal fittings regularly. It is therefore quite possible that he may have created this sundial.
estimated
15.000—30.000 €
Price realized
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