Metrics of Justice. A Sundial's Nomological Figuration.
This paper examines a polyhedral dial from the British Museum made by the instrument maker Ulrich Schniep, and discusses the status of multifunctional scientific instruments. It discerns a multifaceted iconic meaning considering different dimensions such as scientific functionality (astronomy), the complex allegorical figure of Justice (iconography), and the representation of the sovereign (politics), the court and the Kunstkammer of Albrecht v of Bavaria. As a numen mixtum the figure of "Justicia" touches different fields that go far beyond pure astronomical measurement and represents the power of the ruler as well as the rules of economic justice.
Carolin
C
Behrmann
D001154:Art / Q000266:history*; D001256:Astronomy / Q000266:history* / Q000295:instrumentation; D005858:Germany; D049669:History, 16th Century; D011057:Politics; D012935:Social Justice; D013995:Time