Maison de Bardonneche

This sundial dates from 1840 and was created by Giovanni Fransesco Zarbula. His initials (ZGF) can be found on the dial ath the top left. The dial was ordered by the Marquise Françoise Ponce de Bardonnèche. Her name can be seen on the dial as well (M-me F-se P. d-B). Zarbula stayed several years with the Marquise.

The dial shows half-hour and our lines. It also shows a line of equinoxes, which probably works with the tiop of the stylus. Note that the sundial is now in the shadow, at midday end of may. Thus the dial can only be used in the evenings or the winter.

The motto says “In Lucem Omnia Tua. Vita Fugit Sicut Umbra. Coelium Regula, Forte Tua”. This translates to “In full light all is vain. Live passes like shadow. Heaven is the rule, chance is yours”. At the top one can also se the capitals IHS, which means Iesus Hominum Salvator and translates to Jesus, saviour of mankind.

Note the two phantasmagorical animals at the top of the sundial. The dial is created in a trompe l’oeil fashion.

This sundial has been restored by Atelier Tournesol in 1990.

Location: Maison de Bardonnèche, Vallouise, Hautes-Alpes, France

Categories: france • hautes-alpes • vertical •
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