D8526-2

Dieppe magnetic azimuth dial for latitudes 50 North, leaf IIb Long Caption: This is a standard Dieppe magnetic azimuth dial (see related terms) except for the following details: It is made of tortoiseshell and there is no Dieppe-style ornamentation. The dial is split into four leaves. Inside the hour scale on leaf Ia are various Jesuit symbols: the initials 'IHS', a heart with three arrows projecting out from it; a cross surrounded by a sunblaze; and tongues of flame around the circumference. Leaf Ib displays an hour scale and a latitude scale. Leaf IIa is the compass card, displaying a table of latitudes for 20 European towns. It is surrounded by a painted border with maritime motifs including dolphins and waves. Leaf IIb does not contain a perpetual calendar. The centre of the volvelle and the spandrels are engraved with floral motifs. The outer edges of the dial are also engraved with floral motifs, incorporating birds and mythical beasts. The motifs on the outside of the upper leaf of this instrument show that it was made for a high-ranking member of the Jesuit order. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Georges Prin Collection Object: AST0487 Artist: Charles Bloud Date: circa 1660 Medium: silver; tortoiseshell; pewter; card; brass; glass Size: 16 mm x 58 mm x 61 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.