Zarbula Sundial 1840: Vallouise, France
Posted by: 
arby101ca
N 44° 50.671 E 006° 29.132
32T E 301285 N 4968754
Quick Description: Zarbula's signature sundial, painted in 1840 on the home of the Marquise de Bardonnèche in Vallouise, Hautes Alpes, France
Location: France
Date Posted: 11/19/2009 11:34:30 AM
Waymark Code: WM7PR8
Views: 1
Long Description:This sundial commissioned by la Marquise François Ponce de
Bardonnèche in 1840 seemed to have established Zarbula's reputation
as a sundial painter and launched his career. Records indicate that
Zarbula painted as many as 12 sundials in 1840: 2 in Vallouise, 8
in St Veran, 2 in Queyras and 2 near Briançon. Unfortunately only 7
have survived. In 1840 Zarbula introduced the folk art features to
his paintings: exotic animals and birds, sun and moon, flowers etc.
The bold frame and bold colours were introduced on earlier
sundials.
Atelier Tournesol beautifully restored this Vallouis sundial in
1990. It is dated 1840, signed ZGF and MFPB. A further attribution
along the bottom is Mme Fse P. de B for Marquise François Ponce de
Bardonnèche. The mottos are: In Lucem Omnnia Vana. Coelum Regula.
FORTE TUA (My translation is: In the light, all is vanity. Heaven
Rules. You must be strong).
To find this sundial, drive up the valley from L'Argentière la
Bessée to the town of Vallouise. Park near the bridge and walk to
the church. Pass the beautifully painted penitents chapel and walk
down the path on the left about 200 meters to the old home of the
Marquise. The sundial faces southeast and shows morning hours.
Atelier Tournesol of Grenoble have done excellent work restoring
sundials. The produced lists old sundials recommending which ones
merited restoration. These recommendations have guided government
authorities in funding restoration work in Haute Alpes, Savioe and
Isère. See (visit link)