Slate Sundial - 1729 - An Engraving Of Remarkable Finesse

AN INCREDIBLY EXQUISITE SLATE SUNDIAL – 1729

France, 18th century.

An exceptional antique slate sundial, dated 1729, whose exquisite craftsmanship I have personally rarely seen matched. In my opinion, it is one of the finest examples of slate engraving I have ever had the opportunity to observe.

The entire design is engraved in relief directly into the stone, with absolutely remarkable precision and delicacy. The hour lines radiate from the attachment point of the now-missing gnomon, while the Roman numerals and graduations are integrated into a perfectly structured composition. All around, a rich ornamentation blends plant motifs, scrollwork, stylized flowers, geometric compositions, and decorative friezes.

What strikes one above all is the technical mastery required to create such a work. Slate is a demanding material, the very nature of which requires great precision in its working. Here, the engraving is extraordinarily fine, right down to the most delicate details. Nothing seems left to chance: the regularity of the lines, the balance of the motifs, and the organization of the composition all attest to true craftsmanship.

This is the first sundial I have encountered with such high-quality engraving. Beyond its scientific function, this object is a true technical masterpiece, where technical mastery merges with a sense of decorative composition. Its craftsmanship attests to the exceptional care taken with an instrument that, although intended to measure time, was clearly the subject of a very particular aesthetic vision.

The metal gnomon is missing, but the slate plate retains all the impact of its engraved decoration.

Dated 1729.

Slate entirely engraved in intaglio.

23.5 cm high by 22 cm wide