Shadow Play: Unveiling the Fascinating History and Ingenuity of Sundials

This collection showcases the historical evolution of sundials, an ancient method for tracking time by measuring shadow length. It details various forms of sundials, from portable folding and equatorial types to ring and case designs, highlighting their construction, makers, and historical periods.

The 'Schattenspiele' (Shadow Play) collection delves into the fascinating history of sundials, one of humanity's earliest timekeeping devices. The fundamental principle explored is the measurement of shadow length cast by celestial bodies, a method adaptable to various structures like buildings, columns, or wall-mounted constructions. The collection features a diverse range of sundials, illustrating the ingenuity and craftsmanship involved in their creation. Examples include portable folding sundials, often equipped with compasses and adjustable for different latitudes, as well as equatorial, ring, and case sundials. Each object is presented with information about its origin, maker, and approximate date of creation, spanning from the 16th to the 19th century. Notable makers and regions represented include Hans Tucher and Paulus Reinman from Nuremberg, Ludovicus Theodorus Müller from Augsburg, Christian Carl Schindler from Halle, and Nicolas Bion from Paris, among others. This curated selection offers insights into the scientific, technological, and artistic advancements in horology over several centuries.