Miniature sundial. Height sundial. Unusual piece. From the end of 16th century. Original on British Museum, London.

This vertical disk sundial from the end of the 16th century is an unusual piece: one side has an effigy of King Philip II of Spain and the other side is a sundial. The original piece, made of bronze, is in the British Museum of London.

Between the 16th and 17th century, a close link existed between Spain and the Low Countries marked by the mutual influence and a high level of cooperation that occurred between their scientists. To reinforce the Spanish empire, Philip II patronize a variety of studies in astronomy, cartography, and nautical astronomy at the renowned University of Louvain (Brussels, Flanders), and some of the most beautiful and precise scientific instruments were born there.

Height 5.12"

Diameter: 1.77"

Thickness: 0.16"