Folk Art of Britain & Ireland »
Rare Folk Art Geographical Clock in Watercolour & Ink
Ref: 5673
A rare and charming volvelle geographical clock in ink & watercolour, the central disc is moved by hand, there is a handle at rear in bone and to the front in mother of pearl, a volvelle is a scientific device introduced into Europe in the 13th century by arab mathematicians & was normally used for astronomical purposes, this one as the script has it is used for determining the local time in different parts of the earth, ‘bring Great Britain to the hour’ it says, which tells us it’s British or English, amongst the curious designations there is “Unknown Land” in just the place where S-E Australia should be, this gives us a date for the piece, that is, prior to Cook’s discovery and proclamation of New South Wales in 1770. Framed.
English c.1730-60
H: 41cm (16.1in)
W: 36cm (14.2in)
D: 3cm (1.2in)
SOLD
Print Back