Hemisferium H88 Nautical Instruments<br/>Miniature Phillip II Sundial

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Hemisferium H88 Nautical Instruments
Miniature Phillip II Sundial

This vertical clock of the late sixteenth century is a very particular piece: on one side is an effigy of King Philip II of Spain and on the other the sundial. The original piece, realized in bronze, is in the British Museum of London. Between the s. XVI and XVII there was a close link between Spain and the Netherlands marked by the mutual influence and the high level of cooperation that took place between its scientists. To reinforce the Spanish Empire, Philip II did not hesitate to sponsor various studies on astronomy, cartography and nautical astronomy at the renowned University of Leuven (Brussels, Flanders), and there were born some of the most precise and beautiful scientific instruments.